Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
The State of Michigan offers a unique opportunity for those who suffer from debilitating illnesses or pain to use an alternative form of relief: medical marijuana.
But unfortunately for the law-abiding users, those who are selling or using outside the restrictions set within medical marijuana card guidelines are giving all users a bad reputation.
Voters approved the law in 2008. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, 111,451 original and renewal applications have been received since April 6, 2009; the 12,090 applications denied were mostly completed incorrectly or missing documentation.
That means less than 11 percent of applications so far have been denied, validating concerns many citizens have expressed that far too many applicants receive the cards. That does not mean, of course, that all applicants are potheads who want a free pass to smoke whenever they want. Most suffer from chronic pain or cancer; some are terminally ill or want a natural alternative to chemotherapy.
The number of cardholders who have abused the growing and selling restrictions is far too high, particularly locally in Cass County. Cardholders are permitted to possess 12 plants per patient and 2.5 ounces of marijuana per patient.
But when the sheriff's department conducts fly-overs and finds fields of the green plant in back yards; when cardholders are selling to non-cardholders; when even owners of medical marijuana clinics are being charged with multiple felonies, as Sean Erhard of Berrien Township is -- it ruins it for everyone.
Those who follow the rules will begin to fear using, buying and growing. They will not want to be associated with a drug that may inadvertently get them in trouble. Who knows if your grower is legit? Is law enforcement going to watch your every move?
Enforcement of the law is also rather unclear, particularly since the law is rather new and unfamiliar to most states. What happens if a cardholder is arrested and jailed? Can he or she obtain access to marijuana while behind bars? What happens if a grower produces a fake card and poses as legit, selling to unsuspecting buyers? Many of these questions have yet to be answered, and local and county law enforcement are not always on the same page in regard to procedure.
While the medical marijuana law could use some fine-tuning, it has changed the lives of thousands of Michigan residents, most for the better, some not. But taking advantage of the law will tarnish its reputation, making a good idea go bad.
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Niles Daily Star (MI)
Copyright: 2011 Leader Publications, LLC
Contact: katie.rohman@leaderpub.com
Website: Serving Niles since 1886 | The Niles Star
Details: MapInc
Author: Katie Rohman
But unfortunately for the law-abiding users, those who are selling or using outside the restrictions set within medical marijuana card guidelines are giving all users a bad reputation.
Voters approved the law in 2008. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, 111,451 original and renewal applications have been received since April 6, 2009; the 12,090 applications denied were mostly completed incorrectly or missing documentation.
That means less than 11 percent of applications so far have been denied, validating concerns many citizens have expressed that far too many applicants receive the cards. That does not mean, of course, that all applicants are potheads who want a free pass to smoke whenever they want. Most suffer from chronic pain or cancer; some are terminally ill or want a natural alternative to chemotherapy.
The number of cardholders who have abused the growing and selling restrictions is far too high, particularly locally in Cass County. Cardholders are permitted to possess 12 plants per patient and 2.5 ounces of marijuana per patient.
But when the sheriff's department conducts fly-overs and finds fields of the green plant in back yards; when cardholders are selling to non-cardholders; when even owners of medical marijuana clinics are being charged with multiple felonies, as Sean Erhard of Berrien Township is -- it ruins it for everyone.
Those who follow the rules will begin to fear using, buying and growing. They will not want to be associated with a drug that may inadvertently get them in trouble. Who knows if your grower is legit? Is law enforcement going to watch your every move?
Enforcement of the law is also rather unclear, particularly since the law is rather new and unfamiliar to most states. What happens if a cardholder is arrested and jailed? Can he or she obtain access to marijuana while behind bars? What happens if a grower produces a fake card and poses as legit, selling to unsuspecting buyers? Many of these questions have yet to be answered, and local and county law enforcement are not always on the same page in regard to procedure.
While the medical marijuana law could use some fine-tuning, it has changed the lives of thousands of Michigan residents, most for the better, some not. But taking advantage of the law will tarnish its reputation, making a good idea go bad.
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Niles Daily Star (MI)
Copyright: 2011 Leader Publications, LLC
Contact: katie.rohman@leaderpub.com
Website: Serving Niles since 1886 | The Niles Star
Details: MapInc
Author: Katie Rohman
