Chesterfield Rejects Settlement With Big Daddy's

The will continue after the Chesterfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously agreed Monday night following closed session to turn down a settlement offer by the medical marijuana dispensary.

Rick Thompson, Big Daddy's shareholder and Michigan Medical Marijuana Magazine Editor, spoke before the board prior to the closed session and expressed that medical marijuana users "are not criminals" and that the legal battle is costing the township more and more money as the court case continues.

Board members were advised by the township attorney not to speak about the decision after the meeting. Specifics about the settlement offer were not disclosed.

"Sixty-three percent of people in Michigan voted in favor of Proposal 1 in 2008. This is something we've already won," Thompson said.

In recent weeks, the legal battle has been joined by the Michigan Attorney General's Office and on Gratiot north of 23 Mile. The rally took place last week outside Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens, where an evidentiary hearing was held for the case.

"The importance of this case, to me, is that patients should be able to get medicine in a safe manner wherever they choose because the Constitution gives you the freedom of choice and it should be a right to have a quality of life," medical marijuana cardholder Terry Marentette, 55 of West Branch, told Patch at the rally.

Chesterfield and Attorney General Bill Schuette want the business closed on grounds it's a public nuisance and it violates zoning ordinances.

Thompson said legal briefs are due Dec. 4 and oral arguments are expected to take place Dec. 20.