New medical pot moratorium set to expire on May 8

The Highland Township Board of Trustees has decided to extend an existing moratorium on medical marijuana activities in the community for another 90 days.

Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski said the board opted to extend the moratorium because officials still need to gather more information.

“The Planning Commission continues to look at land use issues concerning the subject,” Pilchowski said. “We are really gathering as much information as possible. We want to be prepared to understand what it is that best serves those individuals who are seeking that kind of help that would alleviate pain or distress, but at same time show respect for the rest of community. It’s a balancing act, and we’re trying to make sure we aren’t stepping on people’s toes.”

Pilchowski further added that the township is “moving very cautiously” as there doesn’t seem to be enough guidance from the state.

In fact, Pilchowski said she would like to see a statewide moratorium on medical marijuana until local governments can receive sufficient directives from the state.

“Who needs to be spending time in court being challenged by organizations when, quite frankly, the communities are not adverse to obeying the law, they just want clearer direction,” she said.

Highland Zoning Administrator Lisa Burkhart agrees that there needs to be clearer directives.

“When you consider the amount of regulation there is for cigarettes, prescription drugs, food, and food handling, and then to just give people marijuana for medical reasons without any regulation is interesting to me,” she said. “How do you know if it really has in it what is beneficial to you? What about it’s origination and handling?”

Highland’s previous moratorium was set to expire on May 8.