Pubdate: Fri, 25 Mar 2011 Source: Detroit Free Press (MI) Copyright: 2011 Detroit Free Press Contact: http://www.freep.com/article/99999999/opinion04/50926009 Website: http://www.freep.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125 Author: Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press Staff Writer Referenced: Medical Marijuana Act http://drugsense.org/url/8mvr7sW8 Bookmark: http://www.drugsense.org/cms/geoview/n-us-mi (Michigan) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Jessica+Cooper CHANGE POT LAW, OAKLAND COUNTY PROSECUTOR URGES Michigan's medical marijuana law needs to be tweaked to make it easier to regulate and enforce, Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper told county commissioners Thursday. Cooper said she has met with the county's state legislators and urged commission members to work together to help enact changes to the law that was passed by voters in 2008 by an overwhelming 63%-37% margin. Any changes would have to be passed by a two-thirds majority in the state House and Senate. The law was aimed at helping those suffering chronic pain caused by severe illness like cancer and multiple sclerosis. But Cooper said some people are using frivolous reasons for getting certificates that allow them to grow medical marijuana or to buy it from certified caregivers. "Now we're seeing young people with hammertoes or dislocated shoulders getting certificates," she said. "And children under the age of 18 may obtain a medical marijuana card." The state has received 111,451 applications for medical marijuana certificates and issued 63,869 cards. State officials said 27 people under the age of 18 have been issued medical marijuana cards. Oakland County law enforcement officers have raided medical marijuana dispensaries in Waterford and Ferndale and continue to pursue charges against the owners. Cooper said that will continue because marijuana still is illegal under federal law. While Cooper got a welcome reception at the meeting Thursday, Commissioner Craig Covey, D-Ferndale, said there should be much higher priorities for the prosecutor. "I would like to see people be more open about cannabis use rather than reaching for the ... painkillers," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake