Jacob Bell
New Member
State legislation that would tweak the medical marijuana law has police encouraged and users ticked.
Senate Bill 377 would require the names of all registered users and caregivers be given to state police, who in turn would provide the list to local law enforcement agencies. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, has been referred to the Judiciary Committee.
For police, it would be a break from wasting resources by investigating tips about people who turn out to be in the clear.
St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon said his department has faced that situation.
"It makes it extremely difficult," he said. "If you know that ahead of time, you can sort a complaint or tip."
Port Huron Police Lt. Scott Pike said Booher's legislation would be a time-saver because it can be difficult to verify if someone is registered with the state.
"It would probably clear up a lot of unknowns because the system is so new," he said.
Many patients and caregivers consider the proposal an invasion of privacy.
Morgan Fox, Marijuana Policy Project spokesman, said a person's status should be made available if they are accused of breaking a law, but it shouldn't be general knowledge.
"For any other medication, the police wouldn't require a list ... that they are prescribed," Fox said. "It's not their business. It's between them and their physician."
Jeremy West, owner of Two Guys and a Grow Shop in Port Huron Township, said because police can verify information with the state police, they don't need a list.
But, he said, patients and caregivers who adhere to the law shouldn't be concerned about having their information out there.
"As long as you stay within the legal limits, there should be no fear of problems," he said.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: thetimesherald.com
Author: Liz Shepard
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: thetimesherald.com
Website: Bill stirs medical marijuana debate
Senate Bill 377 would require the names of all registered users and caregivers be given to state police, who in turn would provide the list to local law enforcement agencies. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, has been referred to the Judiciary Committee.
For police, it would be a break from wasting resources by investigating tips about people who turn out to be in the clear.
St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon said his department has faced that situation.
"It makes it extremely difficult," he said. "If you know that ahead of time, you can sort a complaint or tip."
Port Huron Police Lt. Scott Pike said Booher's legislation would be a time-saver because it can be difficult to verify if someone is registered with the state.
"It would probably clear up a lot of unknowns because the system is so new," he said.
Many patients and caregivers consider the proposal an invasion of privacy.
Morgan Fox, Marijuana Policy Project spokesman, said a person's status should be made available if they are accused of breaking a law, but it shouldn't be general knowledge.
"For any other medication, the police wouldn't require a list ... that they are prescribed," Fox said. "It's not their business. It's between them and their physician."
Jeremy West, owner of Two Guys and a Grow Shop in Port Huron Township, said because police can verify information with the state police, they don't need a list.
But, he said, patients and caregivers who adhere to the law shouldn't be concerned about having their information out there.
"As long as you stay within the legal limits, there should be no fear of problems," he said.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: thetimesherald.com
Author: Liz Shepard
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: thetimesherald.com
Website: Bill stirs medical marijuana debate
