It was a mad dash. 7 dispensaries added their names to a list of businesses allowed to open or stay open despite a medical marijuana moratorium imposed in Lansing at the very last second. That makes it a maximum of 62 businesses allowed to operate within the city's limits during a more than 6 month ban on new medical marijuana establishments.

Lansing City Council passed the moratorium 6-0 after a lengthy public hearing during which many members of the public were critical of the moratorium.

"We're postponing some economic development opportunities, jobs creation for our community," said Mary Lindemann with Cannabis Patients United.

"A lot of people don't realize the magnitude by telling these commercial opportunities you can't grow," said Jeff Peck, owner of Green Solutions USA. "It doesn't make any sense financially for the long term."

But Councilwoman Carol Wood tried to allay some concerns by offering an amendment at Monday's meeting that shortened the moratorium from one year to a little less than seven months. She says that should give the city an opportunity to catch its breath.

"I think it allows us a chance to put together an ordinance that's comprehensive," said Wood.

"It is causing a little bit of concern in those areas because we don't have the licensing and safety precautions," said Councilwoman Jessica Yorko, who opposed the moratorium a week ago, but changed her opinion when it was shortened.

The Ingham County Attorney's office sent a representative to the meeting to speak in favor of the moratorium.