Pubdate: Sat, 10 Sep 2011
Source: Milford Times (MI)
Copyright: 2011 Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
Contact: http://www.hometownlife.com/section/CUSTOMERSERVICE2002
Website: http://www.milfordtimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5217
Author: Aileen Wingblad

ATTORNEY TO SPEAK ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA WEDNESDAY IN HIGHLAND

An attorney whose specialities include medical marijuana rights will 
discuss Michigan's Medical Marihuana Act and related federal 
regulations this Wednesday at the Hydro Vision store in Highland.

The free event is open to the public, and runs 7-9 p.m.

"I hope people who are growers come, and caregivers and (medical 
marijuana) patients come," said Denise Pollicella, a Howell-based attorney.

"I also want people who are 100 percent against the (medical 
marijuana) law to come. I've met very few who are against it and 
those who are can't give a reason why except that 'it's against the 
law' -- which just doesn't cut it," she said.

Pollicella has been a practicing attorney for 15 years, specializing 
in corporate and business transactions law as well as commercial real 
estate law. She said she added medical marijuana law to her practice 
in 2010 due to the legislative and administrative backlash that 
followed the 2008 voter approved constitutional referendum for 
medical marijuana use.

"I didn't get into it because it's marijuana. I got into it because 
63 percent of voters in the state of Michigan voted for (medical 
marijuana) -- and then a very few people in power said they don't 
think we should have that right," she said.

Among her talking points Wednesday will be discussion of a recent 
state Appellate Court decision on a civil case involving an Isabella 
County medical marijuana dispensary and patient-to-patient sales of 
medical marijuana. The decision has some people mistakenly believing 
medical marijuana dispensaries are illegal, she said.

"The court did not address patient-to-patient uncompensated transfer 
and it did not address patient-to-caregiver transactions," Pollicella said.

People are mistaken to believe the decision outlaws medical marijuana 
dispensaries, she said, adding, "there are some business models -- 
ways to operate -- that don't violate the existing law."

Hydro Vision is at 2858 E. Highland, at the southwest corner of E. 
Highland (M-59) and Duck Lake roads. Phone (248) 714-5556.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart