Politics & Government

Medical Marijuana Backers Protest Potential Chesterfield, State Closure of Big Daddy's

As Big Daddy's Hydroponics headed to Macomb County Circuit Court Thursday, dozens of medical marijuana supporters and patients protested Chesterfield Township and the state's attempt to shut down the business.

Dozens of medical marijuana supporters, many of whom are patients, rallied around Big Daddy's Hydroponics Thursday afternoon in front of Macomb County Circuit Court.

The protest that kicked off around noon in Mount Clemens preceded an evidentiary hearing before Judge John Foster regarding Chesterfield Township and Attorney General Bill Schuette's attempt to on Gratiot north of 23 Mile on grounds it violates zoning ordinances and is a public nuisance.

Medical marijuana cardholder Savannah Lanczak, 28, traveled three hours to the rally from her Pinconning, MI, home to show her support for the dispensary.

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"It's important to me because there are sick, ill people suffering," Lanczak said. "Bill Schuette's involvement needs to stop. ... I believe the patients need safe access."

During the court hearing, a representative from the Attorney General's Office, a lawyer for Chesterfield Township, Big Daddy's attorney and the landowner's legal counsel questioned township police Chief Bruce Smith and a township police officer who investigated the business while working undercover. Much of the focus at the hearing, scheduled to continue Friday, was the interpretation of the Michigan Medical Marihauna Act passed in November 2008.

Find out what's happening in New Baltimore-Chesterfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Check back with Patch Friday morning for the full story.


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