State proposal for medical marijuana
The Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care is seeking to legalize marijuana use for medical purposes in the state.
The state Board of Canvassers has approved petitions collected by the group, and the proposal is pending in the Legislature.
If the Legislature doesn't pass the proposal into law within 40 days, it will be placed on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
Leaders in the House and Senate have said legislative action on the initiative is unlikely. Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she opposes the proposal.
Initiative
The proposal would allow for seriously ill patients, with approval of their primary-care physicians, to possess and use marijuana to treat their symptoms. The individual and his or her physician could not be criminally prosecuted.
Eligibility
Eligible would be those with a ``debilitating medical condition'' such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, glaucoma, hepatitis C and debilitating symptoms from other diseases. It's estimated about one-half of 1 percent of Michigan residents, between 40,000 and 50,000 people, would be eligible for medical marijuana use.
Requirements
At least 18 years old; must register with the Michigan Department of Community Health and carry a state-issued ID card indicating registration.
Penalties
Users who sell their marijuana would have their ID cards revoked and be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to $2,000, in addition to other penalties.
Amount
A registered user could have up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana at one time and cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants. The usable marijuana and plants would be kept in an enclosed, locked location.
Other cities, states
In Michigan, five cities -- Ann Arbor, Detroit, Ferndale, Flint and Traverse City -- have medical marijuana ordinances, while 14 states have a medical marijuana law. If voters pass the proposal, Michigan would become the first state in the Midwest to adopt such a law.
State proposal for medical marijuana - Michigan News, Updates, Photos & Video | Detroit, Lansing - MLive.com
Best of luck to all our friends in Michigan!:thumbsup:
Have a good one!:jointsmile:
