Pubdate: Wed, 29 Nov 2006
Source: State News, The (MI State U, MI Edu)
Copyright: 2006 The State News
Contact:  http://www.statenews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1246
Author: Lindsey Poisson, The State News

MICH. BILL TO OK MARIJUANA USE WILL LIKELY STALL

Michigan lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday for a medicinal marijuana 
bill that isn't likely to pass before the end of the year.

The 2005 bill states a patient with a "debilitating medical 
condition" -- such as cancer or glaucoma -- will not be subject to 
arrest or prosecution for using appropriate dosages of marijuana in 
Michigan to relieve pain. Recreational marijuana use and sale would 
still be illegal with the bill's passage.

The bill is currently in the Michigan House Government Operations Committee.

Despite a hearing this week, legislators and observers doubt the bill 
will pass with fewer than two weeks left before their congressional 
session ends.

Rep. Chris Ward, R-Brighton, said the bill is not a high priority currently.

"There is no chance at all we'll look at this bill in a lame-duck 
session," he said.

Still, Rep. LaMar Lemmons III, D-Wayne, who sponsored the bill, said 
the hearing gave attention to the issue.

"People came from all over the country (to testify) because they 
realize in order to get the federal government to move, they need the 
states to move first," Lemmons said. "If the public could have been 
at the hearing, it was so compelling I think it persuaded some of the 
colleagues that were against it, but they are afraid to admit it."

Because Lemmons is term-limited and will not return in January, his 
father, Rep. LaMar Lemmons Jr., D-Wayne, will reintroduce the bill 
next session, he said.

Twelve states have medicinal marijuana programs passed through laws 
or ballot proposals. In Michigan, Ann Arbor and Detroit have laws 
allowing use of marijuana for medical purposes.

MSU law Associate Professor Paul Arshagouni said the 
conservative-controlled Michigan House and Senate aren't likely to 
pass something before January. But with a Democratic-led House next 
year, the chances might be better.

"We use narcotics regularly," Arshagouni said. "It would make sense 
to pass it because marijuana for medicinal purposes clearly has value."

Other commonly used narcotics include morphine and Tylenol with 
codeine, he said.

But claimed benefits of marijuana for ailments still need to be 
proven, said Jim Anthony, professor and chairman of the MSU 
Department of Epidemiology.

Anthony said there is a dilemma that occurs with medicinal marijuana 
policies: Government has a duty to protect the public and make sure 
people get proper treatment, but there are people dealing with 
painful conditions. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake