On Nov. 4, 2008, 63 percent of Michigan voters approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. The act, widely interpreted in jurisdictions throughout Michigan, remains a critical point of dispute for growers, caregivers, patients, law enforcement and government officials. The law as written and the law as practiced in day-to-day operations are incompatible. Gaping holes in the legislation have left townships, counties and municipalities to individually develop ordinances and controlling policies for a statewide mandate, while the attorney general is scrambling to clarify a law that he has publicly opposed. [continues 442 words]
A Clinton Township man who espoused anti-government and marijuana-rights views in his trial was found guilty Wednesday on all counts for manufacturing the drug and gun possession. Jeffrey Szewczyk, 38, was immediately taken to jail after he was convicted of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, which carries a mandatory two-year prison term, manufacture of five to 45 kilograms of marijuana and maintaining a drug house. In a raid last October, police found 73 marijuana plants of various sizes in Szewczyk's grow room in the basement of his home and three shotguns, one handgun and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition. [continues 848 words]
Four City, Township Boards Will Meet Aug. 22 to Discuss Zoning Regulations Four Charlevoix-area governmental bodies have scheduled a combined meeting for later this month to discuss how they will regulate medical marijuana businesses in their respective jurisdictions. The Charlevoix City Council, Charlevoix Planning Commission, Charlevoix Township Board of Trustees and the Charlevoix Township Planning Commission have scheduled a combined meeting for 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, at the Charlevoix City Council chambers at city hall. In a memo about the meeting to the city planning commission, city planning director Mike Spencer wrote, "The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the new Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, and options local governments have concerning regulation of this use. The (city's) moratorium on medical marijuana is set to expire in October. We felt a joint meeting would be best to educate our boards and elected officials and seek input in a public setting prior to staff drafting any regulations." [continues 208 words]
The Summit Township Board on Tuesday extended the township's moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries for four months as it awaits recommendations on where dispensaries can be built. Supervisor Jim Dunn said a subcommittee recommendation for a zoning ordinance for marijuana dispensaries in Spring Arbor, Napoleon and Summit townships is expected by the end of August. Dunn previously said the zoning ordinance could serve as a model for other municipalities. Dunn said adding four months to the moratorium would give the board time to finalize the new zoning rules. The board passed the four-month extension by a 6-0 vote. [end]
KALAMAZOO -- Chris Chiles says his group, Kalamazoo Coalition for Compassionate Care, has collected 2,751 signatures on petitions seeking support for a ballot measure that would amend Kalamazoo's charter to permit medical marijuana dispensaries in commercial districts. Kalamazoo City Deputy Clerk Virginia Vander Roest said Chiles needed to turn in 2,567 signatures -- 5 percent of the city's registered voters as of Tuesday when the petitions were filed -- to appear on a ballot in Kalamazoo. The clerk's office is in the process of checking the validity of the signatures, which Chiles said he cross-referenced to ensure they had the requisite number. [continues 177 words]
Michigan's medical marijuana law has been abused, exploited and hijacked by pot profiteers, said state Attorney General Bill Schuette in pushing a package of bills that will close loopholes in the law that was intended to provide pot to people with terminal, debilitating and chronic diseases. "The law has been hijacked by drug dealers who want to make money, line their pockets and make a huge profit," Schuette said at a news conference this morning where he was flanked by lawmakers, police, prosecutors and doctors. "This law has as many holes as Swiss cheese. It's out of control and we need to fix it." [continues 236 words]
OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP -- Medical marijuana caregivers growing plants for others' use in Oshtemo Township will pay $225 to $325 for annual registration, inspection and licensing of caregiving facilities. Township Attorney James Porter said the inspection fees -- $50 each for mandatory building and fire department inspections and an additional $50 each for electrical and plumbing inspections if the building official determines those are necessary -- are comparable to inspections of other facilities. Applicants will also be charged a $125 administrative fee for the attorney's time in processing, handling and maintaining applications and all related paperwork. The paperwork will all be handled by Porter and will be kept in separate locked cabinets in a locked office. [continues 122 words]
Trustees on the Raisin Township Board unanimously approved a Police Power Medical Marijuana ordinance on Monday night. The move followed discussion begun in 2008 when the state of Michigan approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA), a referendum authorizing the use of marijuana for certain medical conditions. The new ordinance states, "The intent of the referendum was to enable certain specified persons who comply with the registration provisions of the law to legally obtain, possess, cultivate/grow, use and distribute marijuana and to assist specifically registered individuals identified in the statute without fear of criminal prosecution under limited, specific circumstances." [continues 822 words]
Chesterfield Township is trying to boot a medical marijuana facility from its borders by alleging it violates the zoning ordinance. The township last Friday sued Big Daddy's Management Group and three individuals in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens for the medical marijuana facility at 52001 Gratiot Ave., between 23 Mile and 24 Mile roads. "The use of the property as a marijuana dispensary and retail store is illegal and a flagrant violation" of the zoning ordinance, the township says in the lawsuit. [continues 722 words]
CARO -- Tuscola County Prosecutor Mark Reene, along with Huron County Prosecutor Timothy Rutkowski, invited the public to attend a seminar on the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA) on Monday night to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the highly controversial law. The pair invited Kenneth Stecker of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan to present the facts to a crowd of about 75, including municipal officials, law enforcement and Senator Mike Green, at the Brentwood in Caro. Stecker, described by Reene as the "state's leading expert on the act," has given over 200 presentations on the MMMA to municipal groups, medical marijuana advocates and the public since the law was enacted in 2008. [continues 339 words]
Clinton Township Man Says Marijuana Was for Personal Use, Guns For Protection A Clinton Township man facing charges of growing marijuana and illegal firearms possession contends the state does not have the authority to infringe on his right to those activities. Jeffrey Szewczyk, 38, is representing himself against charges of manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a drug house and felony firearm in his trial in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens. The trial started Wednesday following jury selection in front of Judge Edward Servitto and is scheduled to conclude Tuesday. [continues 1148 words]
FLINT, Michigan -- The Flint City Council on Wednesday acted on extending the city's temporary ban on new medical marijuana businesses opening in Flint. The city issued a 180-moratorium in February for medical marijuana dispensaries and grow operations while city officials research the issue and develop a zoning and licensing plan for such facilities. At its meeting Wednesday night, the council voted to move the moratorium extension forward. The council will officially act on the matter at its Monday meeting. [continues 78 words]
There was a quake last week, but you likely didn't feel it. See, this particular quake was not of the Earth, involved no shifting of the planetary crust. No, what shifted was a paradigm, and the implications are hopeful and profound. On Tuesday, you see, the NAACP passed a resolution calling for an end to the War on Drugs. Said NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous in a written statement, "These flawed drug policies that have been mostly enforced in African-American communities must be stopped and replaced with evidence-based practices that address the root causes of drug use and abuse in America." [continues 466 words]
Township Officials Say It Violates Zoning Ordinance Chesterfield Township is trying to boot a medical marijuana facility from its borders by alleging it violates the zoning ordinance. The township last Friday sued Big Daddy's Management Group and three individuals in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens for the medical marijuana facility at 52001 Gratiot Ave., between 23 Mile and 24 Mile roads. "The use of the property as a marijuana dispensary and retail store is illegal and a flagrant violation" of the zoning ordinance, the township says in the lawsuit. [continues 721 words]
MIDLAND -- Undeterred by a first recall attempt that struck out, a medical marijuana advocate will try a second time to remove Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette from the state's top law enforcement post. Richard C. Clement Sr., 54, of Lansing, added new contentions in a four-point recall petition with claims the Midland Republican has battled Michigan's voter-endorsed medical marijuana law, but also affirmative action and federal health care reform in the legal arena. "I picked affirmative action because that's kind of hypocrisy that he can talk about state's rights in one issue and talk about federal law on another issue," said Clement, who identified himself as a medical marijuana patient and member of Michigan NORML, a marijuana advocacy group. [continues 464 words]
CORUNNA -- City residents will be able to grow medical marijuana within their homes as home-based businesses. City Council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing such businesses Monday night. "For the planning commission, this has been one year of review and a lot of research done on medical marijuana and how it fits in the community and the regulations, if any, we wanted to do on it," Assessor Merilee Lawson said. The ordinance will give all basic rules and regulations to those who are "primary caregivers" and to those who are "qualifying patients," she said. [continues 303 words]
MIDLAND -- Declaring it's time to "free the weed," a medical marijuana advocate said he'll try a second time to target Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette for a recall. Lansing resident Richard C. Clement Sr. 54, tried but failed Monday to persuade the Midland County Election Commission to OK recall petition language that targeted Schuette over the state's medical marijuana law. "We still want to free the weed," Clement said. Clement, a self-described "computer geek," was undeterred with the Elections Commission rejection of the petition language at a clarity hearing. [continues 187 words]
FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Flint Township will be without a medical marijuana ordinance for a while longer. The township board approved a motion to hold off voting on the ordinance after several people raised concerns about the proposed measure during public comment. Board members also expressed concerns about the legality of the law, which is being contested. "You read all these things in the paper and any normal citizen would get confused," said Trustee George Menoutes. Nick Pannesidi, owner of the Michigan Wellness Center, 3095 South Dye Road, raised concerns about a section of the ordinance that states: "The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act does not authorize marijuana stores, dispensaries, compassion centers or any medical marijuana business that may market to a wide customer base." [continues 337 words]
Macomb County sheriff's detectives are investigating an incident late Sunday where a man 22-year-old man from Richmond was shot in the chest during a drug deal gone bad. Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the victim connected with three individuals over the internet about buying some marijuana. The man told authorities he has a medical marijuana card that allows him to buy marijuana for health purposes. During the transaction several shots were fired with one striking the Richmond man in the arm and the bullet traveled into his chest, Wickersham said. [continues 58 words]
Marijuana Dispensary Owners Can't Afford Errors Here are lessons for members of the medical marijuana industry: People who want to get involved in politics are obliged to learn the laws governing elections before doing so. People who don't bother to learn the laws and run afoul of them are not good representatives of their industry, and, in fact, could bring harm to their peers. State and local officials are right to quickly and rigorously investigate reported efforts by a Lansing medical marijuana dispensary to encourage voting, apparently by offering free products to legal medical marijuana users. [continues 293 words]
If an elected official misses the point, is his statement still right? State Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, was right when he said that he didn't "think it's appropriate to offer any enticement to vote for or against elected officials of any kind." Unfortunately, the subject he was talking about had nothing to do with enticing voters. In Lansing, a medical marijuana clinic used an online advertisement to offer free medical marijuana to legal patients who came in and submitted a voter registration form. On the same web page, the clinic supported the election of various Lansing City Council members. Let's clarify that: There were no promises of free medical marijuana in exchange for votes for or against any candidates, just for submitting a voter registration form, but the clinic itself did endorse candidates. [continues 429 words]
Opposing How Prohibition Divides Families and Hurts Kids Robin Schneider remembers Christmases as a young child: sitting in a visitation cell at a federal prison in Indiana, chatting with a father she saw only two or three times a year. The visit was short. The drive with her mother and two brothers was long. Her father had been busted and imprisoned on a marijuana conspiracy charge when she was 3 years old. "I had a really tragic childhood because my father was incarcerated on a marijuana-related charge," say Schneider. "It destroyed my childhood. It ruined my brother's life and ruined my mother's life. Taking away a parent who has committed no violent crimes, putting him in jail, is a disservice for American families, having to spend Christmases in a visitation cell instead of around a Christmas tree." [continues 1095 words]
When undercover officers from the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team perform their annual sweep for marijuana plants this year, it will be business as usual. Michigan's medical marijuana law will have no affect on Operation Help Eliminate Marijuana Plants, a yearly search by ground and air for illegal plants, BAYANET Lt. Mark Uribe said. Operation HEMP is done during the growing season, and officers in years past have pulled hundreds of the plants in Clare and Isabella counties. Because the medical marijuana law requires patients and caregivers to keep plants grown outdoors under lock and key, officers searching for illegally grown marijuana will be able to distinguish between the two, Uribe said. [continues 226 words]
PORTAGE -- Medical marijuana is back on the agenda in Portage. The Portage City Council is expected to resume discussion and vote Tuesday of a proposed ordinance that would regulate medical marijuana as a home occupation. The next step follows a July 12 public hearing at which four people questioned the proposed ordinance, prompting the city council to table discussion and ask for more information. In particular, the council sought more details involving occupational safety issues and the distance a marijuana dispensary can be located from schools and parks. [continues 285 words]
Some medical marijuana advocates and lawmakers opposed to what they see as free-wheeling distribution of the drug are coming at each other from extremes in the debate over handling what Michigan voters in 2008 declared a medicine. The best outcome probably is somewhere in the middle. The problem is the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act is much too hazy, with state Department of Community Health rules enabling the act not much clearer. Confusion over what the law and the rules allow is what has caused communities such as Flint, Linden, Grand Blanc Township, Fenton and others to enact moratoriums on medical marijuana dispensaries. [continues 556 words]
The War on Drugs has taken a turn for the surreal. Two turns, actually. For our first, we go to Midland County, where the prosecutor with the assistance of the state attorney general's office has picked up and run with a peculiar argument first advanced here in Isabella County by Larry Burdick. Markets, they are arguing, are created by act of government, not people. Their argument is that the medical marijuana law, ratified by two-thirds of voters two years ago, never intended to create marijuana dispensaries. In other words, when the people of this state legalized marijuana as a drug, we're supposed to believe that nobody expected that they'd need to buy it. We're supposed to believe that everyone expected that cancer patients and sufferers of other debilitating diseases would go out and gather the requisite supplies and seeds and grow it themselves. [continues 716 words]
Obama Administration Heightens Tensions Over Medical Marijuana It was great to see my dear comrade Ed Rosenthal with Larry Gabriel in last week's Higher Ground. One of the greatest developments in American jurisprudence, in my experience, was when the San Francisco jury that was instructed to convict Ed for growing marijuana found out after the trial had ended that he had been cultivating the weed under contract to the city of Oakland. I happened to be in San Francisco for the Rosenthal verdict, and was truly amazed the next day when the jury held a press conference to denounce the judge and prosecutor. Had they known the facts, seven members of the jury told the media, they would never have convicted the defendant. We need to hear this more often! [continues 1032 words]
While reading the article on Dr. Kahn wanting to put "restraints" on medical marijuana (an issue the people voted for) and accusing Dr. Townsend of "lining his pockets," I laugh and wonder how much lining he's getting from the pharmaceutical and insurance companies to make sure the people never get to grow their own. After all, they can't exploit this thing if you can grow your own. That's why I'll never vote a doctor into office; they take care of these companies, not the people. [continues 76 words]
Legislation introduced this summer has some Michigan residents worried that lawmakers' attempt to clear up confusion would limit medical marijuana patients' access to treatment Michigan law allows. State lawmakers have realized a need to clarify the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and are taking legislative action. In June, a package of eight bills was introduced in the state House to address issues including zoning and the transfer of medical marijuana from patient to patient. State Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, also introduced a bill in June that would require a physician prescribing medical marijuana to a patient to have previously treated that patient for his or her ailment as well as require follow-ups with the patient to determine the marijuana's effectiveness. [continues 410 words]
Regarding Gary Wolfam's thoughtful column, "Drug prohibition has failed too," (June 10), it's important to remember that even with attempts to limit the supply of illegal drugs, demand remains constant and only increases the profitability of drug trafficking. For addictive drugs like heroin, a spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to increase criminal activity to feed desperate habits. The drug war doesn't fight crime, it fuels crime. When alcohol prohibition was repealed, liquor bootleggers stopped gunning each other down in drive-by shootings, and consumers no longer go blind drinking unregulated bathtub gin. While U.S. politicians ignore the drug war's historical precedent, European countries are embracing harm reduction, a public health alternative based on the principle that both drug abuse and prohibition have the potential to cause harm. [continues 76 words]
I am known as Dr. Bob throughout Northern Michigan, my practice certifies patients to use medical marijuana, and I want the state to put me out of a job. To do that, leaders need to look at the reasons marijuana certification clinics like mine exist and work to remove those reasons while respecting the wishes of 63 percent of Michigan voters. Some 3.2 million Michigan residents voted for the MMMA, yet rather than respect their will, leaders have, at nearly every opportunity, sought to throw up roadblocks to its implementation. [continues 418 words]
The July 7 article "Prescription drug deaths soar in state" has my blood boiling. Our law enforcement, our government and (sadly) some of our population are so concerned about medical marijuana ending up in the wrong hands that the ease of obtaining deadly prescription painkillers somehow falls on the backburner. Most of the fear and controversy surrounding medicinal marijuana stems from pure ignorance about the drug. One word, Michigan: priorities. Carl Batke Rochester Hills [end]
MIDLAND - A Midland County Circuit Court judge is pondering the legality of a medical marijuana business this evening. Midland County Prosecutor Michael Carpenter said the decision will help towards establishing a legal consensus on medical marijuana. If not nationally or even throughout the state, at least among the Circuit Court judges in Midland County, he said. Midland County Circuit Judge Jonathan E. Lauderbach ruled in early June that Midland County judges have the right to set guidelines that restrict convicts and defendants from ingesting and possessing medical marijuana, regardless of whether they are state certified medical users. [continues 395 words]
FLUSHING TOWNSHIP, Michigan - After tabling discussions last month on whether or not to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, Flushing Township board members yet again tabled the discussion, only this time it was decided the issue would not be brought up again. The board members unanimously agreed at Thursday's meeting to table discussions indefinitely. Trustee Mark Purkey said the planning commission have discussed the topic of medical marijuana for almost a year and chose to do nothing. He didn't understand why the topic was being brought up again. [continues 79 words]
PONTIAC - Oakland County Commissioner Craig Covey, former mayor of Ferndale, took the Fifth Amendment several times Thursday in order not to incriminate himself during a medical marijuana entrapment hearing. Covey, D-Ferndale, had been called to testify on both Tuesday and Thursday during a hearing for an Jason Van Sickle, an Emmett, Mich., man charged with one count of delivering and manufacturing of marijuana during a 2010 Ferndale incident. Testimony was heard in Oakland County Circuit Court before Judge Daniel Patrick O'Brien. Emmett is in St. Clair County. [continues 718 words]
Michigan's medical-marijuana law has created a pipe-full of legal confusion. The vaguely worded law has led to a contradictory tangle of local ordinances, law-enforcement policies and lawsuits in response to a statewide explosion of marijuana dispensaries, "compassion clubs" and home-grow operations. Just recently, the picture has been changing fast. The last few weeks have seen a push at the state level for much tighter restrictions, backed by Attorney General Bill Schuette among others. And now, a new federal policy statement has thrown Michigan's entire medical-marijuana law into question. Already that bombshell is having an impact on local governments. [continues 1611 words]
Celebration Highlights Court's 100th Graduate. PONTIAC - Most people don't enter the Oakland County Courthouse with smiles on their faces, but Wednesday was different. The Oakland County Adult Treatment Court was celebrating its 100th graduate with a ceremony and reception. The 100th graduate, Terrie Auger, started her abuse of substances at the age of 16 by using marijuana. As is most often the case with teenagers, she never dreamed her dabbling with marijuana would evolve into heroin addiction. More than 20 years and multiple crimes later, she was sitting in Oakland County Jail pending sentencing. She realized she needed the treatment court to hold her accountable. [continues 407 words]
NORTON SHORES -- After living 40 years as an outlaw, Paul Miller has cultivated his own medical enterprise tucked among pharmacies, cardiologists and ophthalmologists clustered around Mercy Hospital. The medication he provides goes by such names as God Bud, Train Wreck and Silver Diesel. According to the state of Michigan, he is a certified caregiver and is, for all intents and purposes, a medical provider. Less than a year ago, the marijuana he grew was considered illegal -- not that that concerned Miller too much. He sometimes doesn't wear motorcycle helmets either. [continues 715 words]
Medical Marihuana is a hot topic, although covered from a media view we are not provided with any education on the subject. We know Michigan voters approved this law by 63%, we know a patient is able to possess 2.5 ounces and has the ability to cultivate up to 12 plants or appoint a caregiver to do so. We know that Michigan allows for patients from other medical states to use their card here. But where are the patents and caregivers to get seeds or starter plants? How and where do the patients obtain their medication while their plants grow? What happens if the crop fails to produce? Where do the patients go if their caregiver is on vacation? What if the crop grown doesn't treat the symptoms the patient has? How does the patient know what strain works best for them? [continues 329 words]
Was a medical marijuana dispensary opponent's business the target of a July 3 shooting on Lansing's east side? Meanwhile, license applications start pouring in. What appear to be two bullet holes decorate a second-floor window panel of a Neogen laboratory at 1614 E. Kalamazoo St., across the road from the Allen Neighborhood Center on Lansing's east side. It's merely speculation at this point, but could it be that one of the leading opponents of the proliferation of medical marijuana dispensaries - Jim Herbert, chairman and CEO of Neogen - had his business targeted by angry medical marijuana activists? Has the medical marijuana debate gotten so heated in Lansing that differences are being expressed with gunfire? [continues 822 words]
Re: "Smoking out tourists?" (July 6), it would be good for Dutch legislators to think strategically before enacting social legislation to coerce a particular behavior. First, and most important, how will it be enforced? Overenforcing can cause more societal damage than the behavior itself, if left alone. In the event of such blowback, what will be the remedy? Usually the remedy is to escalate the enforcement, since legislators are loath to admit a mistake, even their predecessors' mistakes. We Americans remember the 1920s' lesson of national Prohibition, and can only watch as the Dutch begin to move in the wrong direction. [continues 89 words]
Coleman resident Chris Gee likens himself to a pharmacist, directing medical marijuana cardholders to the right strain of marijuana to help them, and said he will comply with whatever changes are necessary to continue the work. Midland County Prosecutor Mike Carpenter says Gee's are actions in violation of the voter-enacted Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and a public nuisance, and has asked a judge to shut down Gee and his business, the Twinn Bridges Compassion Club. In a court hearing Wednesday, Carpenter also asked Midland County Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Beale to render an opinion on the legality of medial marijuana in the county, looking for a consensus that the act is unconstitutional. [continues 826 words]
A card-carrying medical marijuana caregiver who was growing marijuana in his backyard to treat his wife's stage-3 breast cancer will be sentenced Thursday for manufacturing marijuana. Gary Alan Katz, 59, pleaded guilty in June to manufacturing marijuana, a charge that resulted after officers with the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team raided his home Aug. 10. Both the defendant and his wife, Jeanne Katz, who was not charged in the case, declined to comment. Attempts to reach Gary Katz's attorney were unsuccessful. [continues 409 words]
PORTAGE -- Portage has tabled action on an ordinance amendment regulating medical marijuana businesses in the city. The Portage City Council heard comments Tuesday from several people opposing the proposed ordinance that would regulate medical marijuana as a home occupation much like the cities of Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids have done for months. After concerns were raised about the distance from schools and requiring the growth of marijuana plants indoors, the council voted 4-3 to table action until its July 26 meeting. [continues 272 words]
KALAMAZOO -- Kalamazoo city attorney Clyde Robinson has several concerns with a proposed charter amendment that would make the use or possession of a small amount of marijuana the "lowest law enforcement priority" in Kalamazoo, including that, in Robinson's view, the provision seems to seek medical marijuana-type legal immunity for the general population. Robinson highlighted his concerns in a letter informing the Michigan attorney general and governor's offices that the coalition pushing for the city charter amendment had collected the number of valid signatures needed to place the question before city voters. [continues 604 words]
An ordinance amendment dealing with medical marijuana has been snuffed out by the Farmington Hills City Council after a year of study and debate. The council voted 4-3 Monday to deny an ordinance amendment, for reasons that include the one at the core of the issue -- that marijuana is against federal law, even though Michigan voters approved its use, cultivation and distribution for medicinal purposes in November 2008. The public vote on the Medical Marihuana Act has been virtually ignored by lawmakers in Lansing, so there are no provisions in the Act that address the specifics of its use and distribution in Michigan. [continues 645 words]
The Dean of Pot Growing Comes to Town Ed Rosenthal has been the longest and strongest voice talking about how to grow marijuana over the past 30 years through his "Ask Ed" column in High Times and Cannabis Culture magazines. On top of that he has written and published more than a dozen books on the subject, with more than 2 million copies sold worldwide. What's he got to say for himself after decades of growing, writing and teaching about marijuana? [continues 1160 words]
LINDEN, Michigan -- The Linden City Council voted to extend its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries and caregiver facilities for another 90 days at its meeting Monday. The moratorium temporary prohibits certain land uses connected with the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Medical marijuana is legal under the state law but still remains illegal under federal law. The city council first placed a moratorium on medical marijuana at a February meeting. City Manager Chris Wren said the city council is following the advice of its attorney to wait until the courts give a better direction on what path the city needs to take. [continues 57 words]
ADRIAN, Mich. - Medical marijuana users who run afoul of the law are discovering probation is an antidote to their certification cards. An Adrian man was warned against applying for a medical marijuana card when he was placed on probation Thursday for a cocaine offense. Growing and using marijuana is still against federal law, said Lenawee County Circuit Judge Timothy P. Pickard. And the state medical use program does not seem to be restricting certification to the seriously ill. "I don't buy it," Pickard said during the sentencing. "It seems to be an excuse for everybody to light up and smoke dope." [continues 374 words]
Marijuana dispensaries' race to the marketplace, such as the rush to a stretch of Michigan Avenue, offers a glimpse at how market forces such as supply and demand, market saturation and the effect of government regulation shape the business landscape. Consider it Economics 101 with a Mary Jane twist. "This is not just interesting to nerdy economists, but others, too," said Charles Ballard, a Michigan State University economics professor. New products are introduced to the marketplace all the time, Ballard said. Consider those made possible by technology that didn't exist a decade or two ago, such as MP3 players and cell phones. What makes medical marijuana unique is that the product already existed, but has just recently become legal in Michigan. [continues 208 words]
Inside Michigan
