Royal Oak Considering Pot Growing Zone

Royal Oak is known for its nightclubs and restaurants, but if some officials get their way, it could also be known for marijuana. A campaign is underway to turn the city into a legal pot growing zone.

This may sound really weird, but there could soon be a medical marijuana pharmacy on Woodward Avenue where people with a doctor's note could go inside and pick up their pot.

"I think one or two shops like that would be a good idea, especially for the people that need it," said Paul Stanford of the Hemp and Cannibus Foundation.

"It will allow patients a safe, reliable place to access their medicine," said medical marijuana user Nicholas Schantz.

The Royal Oak Plan Commission is considering a zoning ordinance that would make it mandatory for medical grass growers to sell their plant product in a store front dispensary in the city's busy business district.

"It's the wave of the future, and the economy in this segment is really going to boom. Michigan needs jobs right now and this is one way to put Michigan on the cutting edge of an exciting new industry," Schantz said.

Some fear the reefer that is being grown in private residencies in Royal Oak could present problems, such as violence and other illegal activity.

"I think a big concern is also theft and robbery on the part of patients because it's a very valid fear. ... We've seen patients who have been attacked and had their marijuana stolen," said Schantz.

Bottom line, the Royal Oak Plan Commission is convinced that this chronic industry would be best if treated like a business. However, are business owners along Woodward ready to buy in?

"I think it's great to contribute to the tax base. Up and down Woodward, businesses are leaving right and left. So, it's either sell the neighborhood or sell in the business district," said business owner Diane Richards.

Right now, this pot shop talk is at the very beginning stages. The Plan Commission will hold a public hearing in the near future where residents can discuss and learn more about the proposal.