You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.

Attorney general issues opinion saying medical marijuana cooperatives are illegal in Michigan

By Ryan J. Stanton

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette issued a formal opinion today, declaring there are only two legal ways patients can get access to medical marijuana in the state.

They can either grow it for themselves — 12 plants at a time — or they can get it from a registered caregiver who can grow 12 plants for each of as many as five patients.

But not allowed under the state's medical marijuana law, Schuette said, are cooperatives where patients and caregivers jointly cultivate, store and share medical marijuana.

Hydro_Med_medical_marijuana_1.jpg

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

Schuette's opinion also noticeably leaves out patient-to-patient transfers of marijuana, which is the business model many dispensaries follow, as an acceptable practice. Schuette has said publicly he believes the law approved by voters in 2008 did not authorize dispensaries.

Ann Arbor officials are looking into what the opinion might mean for marijuana dispensaries and cultivation facilities that exist locally, but City Attorney Stephen Postema noted the attorney general's stance ultimately could be trumped by pending court decisions.

"I knew something like this was coming out, so we'll be looking at this," Postema said via phone today, adding the city still expects a major decision to come down from the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling on the legality of patient-to-patient transfers.

The Ann Arbor City Council adopted local medical marijuana regulations last week that allow up to 72 plants to be grown in a single location, but there is language in the ordinance saying it must be done in compliance with the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.

Schuette clarified in his opinion today there are strict rules around how caregivers and patients can grow and access medical marijuana. He said the law contemplated that permitted activities, including the cultivation of marijuana plants, would occur on an individual basis.

Patients who wish to be self-sufficient, Schuette said, can grow up to 12 plants for their own personal medical use in an "enclosed, locked facility" that only they can access.

If patients specify a caregiver, Schuette said, they relinquish any right to possess and cultivate marijuana plants on their own — they must rely on the caregiver.

And caregivers must keep each patient's plants segregated and in a separate enclosed, locked facility that only they can access, Schuette said. That's defined as "a closet, room, or other enclosed area equipped with locks or other security devices that permit access only by a registered primary caregiver or registered qualifying patient."

Schuette said questions concerning commercial enterprises that sell medical marijuana — and whether government officials can conduct warrantless administrative searches of registered patients or caregivers and their properties — are under review by his office.

He noted in his opinion that marijuana remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. He also said the manufacture and delivery of marijuana by anyone remains a felony and the voter-approved medical marijuana law merely "sets forth particular circumstances under which they will not be arrested or otherwise prosecuted for their lawbreaking."

Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.

Comments

chefbrian1

Sat, Sep 3, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.

How many jobs, and business property taxes have we just lost because of this &quot;opinion&quot;? And for what, to make it harder for people who LEGALLY OBTAINED a medical marijuana card from a doctor for an approved medical condition to get their medicine. The irony here is that Ann Arbor just started handing out licenses for dispensaries, a process of those who have followed it, took months and countless hours of public hearings only to this wipe out all of the effort. This &quot;opinion&quot; by the AG only helps the illegal marijuana trade in Michigan in the sort term until the home caregivers rush to meet the demand. Of course this is until the next &quot;opinion&quot; of the AG decides that home growing by a caregiver is not OK. In the mean time, chalk more lost jobs to Michigan, less property tax revenue and possibly further lost of population with patient moving to medical marijuana friendlier states. For those keeping score, here are some job lost stats for Michigan from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for July: <a href="http://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm</a> &quot;Ten states reported statistically significant over-the-month unemployment rate increases in July. Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and South Carolina recorded the largest of these (+0.4 percentage point each)&quot;

shadow wilson

Thu, Jun 30, 2011 : 12:47 a.m.

Why were my comments removed?

Milton Shift

Thu, Jun 30, 2011 : 10:30 p.m.

Probably for making personal attacks - you called me an &quot;addict.&quot;

shadow wilson

Thu, Jun 30, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.

Unfortunately comments I made were removed for unexplained reasons.Therefore I am unable to participate.

Ryan J. Stanton

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.

I received the following statement from City Attorney Stephen Postema after this story ran: "The City Attorney's Office is reviewing the Attorney General's opinion. On initial reading, there is nothing particularly surprising about the opinion for those who have taken the time to carefully review the MMMA. It will certainly require caregivers to be careful to segregate the plants for each patient, if that is what a court eventually rules is required under the statute. Like everything else with this particular statute, this plant segregation issue is likely to be litigated. Overall, this opinion is in line with the clear effort of the Attorney General and the state courts of appeal to narrowly interpret what is actually permitted under the MMMA."

Milton Shift

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 7:02 p.m.

Nauseating - we need to vote Stephen Postema out! Read the MMMA, and then read Bill Schuette's opinion, and you will be shocked by how much of a stretch it is. For example, he says that the word &quot;a&quot; is always singular, hence patients can only acquire medicine from &quot;a&quot; caregiver, namely one single caregiver and no one else. If &quot;a&quot; mouse can fit through &quot;a&quot; hole, does that mean there is only one single mouse that can fit through that hole, and that one single hole only?

Martin Church

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.

In light of this opinion it is time to close the Ypsilanti drug houses the city council has approved. If we are going to dispense a control substance go to a Federally Regulated Drug Store. Not these freelance groups who a year ago were selling on the streets.

Christian Vative

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 4:44 p.m.

Then there is John Walsh, also funded by the alcohol industry: $2,000 from the MICH BEER &amp; WINE ASSOC PAC 332 TOWNSEND ST LANSING MI 48933-0000 10/15/10 $2,000.00 see the record at <a href="http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cfr/contrib_anls_res.cgi?doc_seq_no%3D335019%26doc_stmnt_year%3D2010%26com_id%3D513658%26doc_date_proc%3D10/22/2010%26sched%3D" rel='nofollow'>http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cfr/contrib_anls_res.cgi?doc_seq_no%3D335019%26doc_stmnt_year%3D2010%26com_id%3D513658%26doc_date_proc%3D10/22/2010%26sched%3D</a>*%26doc_type_code%3DG1%26caller%3Dcf_online

godsbreath64

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.

Billy &quot;should he&quot; Schuette is engrossed in his political ambitions still yet again. Oh wait, he has never stopped. This weather-vane &quot;work&quot; is wanton at law, but that's just Billy Schuette again. Never has he come across a tyranny he doesn't like. Probably never will.

Wilford John Presler IV

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.

<a href="http://www.jackherer.com/thebook" rel='nofollow'>www.jackherer.com/thebook</a>

dogpaddle

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 2:34 p.m.

I have a suggestion that should appease everyone of all political parties including independents. Why not treat medical marijuana in Michigan like alcohol (even though we don't tax medicine). Tax it. California does. Last I heard, it was making over a two million dollar dent in from the legal state taxes from dispensary sales. The state of Rhode Island owns their dispensaries. With our ailing economy, why not. And let's face it, people are profiting from it, so let them pay taxes. I am not opposed to paying a little sales tax on it or have that figured into the price. If the more conservative bunch (remember the Grand Old Party of Gerald Ford - fiscal responsibility and social moderation - Betty Ford as a member of NOW) are truly interested in reinventing Michigan, wouldn't taxing marijuana be a lot nicer than taxing senior citizens?

MWH

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.

Marijuana is obviously the reason we have the highest number in 50 years of citizens living in poverty (percentage as well) with an income gap between the rich and poor growing every day. Us peasants are simply too stoned and distracted from the real reason we were put on this earth (to obtain status and power through wealth and greed). But in all seriousness, I have one quick question for those who consider pot users (medical or otherwise) misguided, immoral, etc: Would you be horrified to find out that your dentist or doctor of 30 years takes a couple puffs of pot smoke at night to help with anxiety and sleep? Or find out the friendly police officer from down the street recreates with pot on the weekends to help unwind after a week of particular stress? Marijuana, as well as many other medicinal plants have been for many, many generations, interwoven into the fabric of our societies and have been vital in the evolution of our minds and our relationships with our environments.

Milton Shift

Thu, Jun 30, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.

As far as those protesting outside of the courthouse - you aren't going to see the gravely ill there. Someone on their deathbed is, well, on their deathbed. Those who are very sick don't have the energy or the will to do so, and often lack the means (gas money, someone to accompany them, etc.) to join a protest even if they wish to. That, and many are afraid, because of people like you who are far too concerned with highly personal matters that are not their business. Who are you to tell someone that if medical marijuana treats, say, their migraines or arthritis (it's a potent anti-inflammatory) that they must go back to being addicted to heroin-type drugs? Who are you to tell someone what works best for them? And really, what are you expecting to see? People marching about with gangrenous limbs, spraying bloody vomit on the pavement? Wheelchair armies? Do you expect to see someone die live on the air before you'll believe they might actually have legitimate health problems? You need to read up on pain disorders and how common they are before casting judgement. Somehow I doubt you have the training or the expertise or even enough casual knowledge to justify commenting on medical marijuana.

Milton Shift

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 10:40 p.m.

Wow, personal attacks now - you &quot;suspect I'm an addict.&quot; Well, given by your aggressiveness on the topic, I would imagine you are a narcotics agent, concerned about your job security. Perhaps I am not an addict, and actually care about issues that affect people other than myself? You know, an altruist? If you think that marijuana and heroin act similarly on the brain, and continue to argue such even after having it pointed out that they have affinities for completely different receptor systems, you're hopeless. Enjoy the fun of locking people up while it lasts, because the Drug War won't.

Milton Shift

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.

shadow wilson, once again you are wrong. Alcohol acts on the GABA receptors. Heroin acts on the opioid receptors. Marijuana acts on the cannabinoid receptors. They are all different. How is it &quot;obvious&quot; most aren't suffering from pain? Can you spot someone with AIDS? Can you spot someone with severe migraines who has tried 16 medications and had none work? Can you spot someone with crushed vertebrae from a photo on TV? No, you cannot, and you especially cannot spot a sick person who is healthier thanks to a natural and effective medication. &quot;That person isn't sick, they look healthy!&quot; Maybe it's because their treatment is working...? Look at statistics for how many people in the state of Michigan receive prescription pain medication. Less than 1% of Michiganders have medical marijuana for pain, and way over 10% have dangerous narcotic drug prescriptions, drugs identical in effects and addictive potential to heroin.

shadow wilson

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 4:22 p.m.

I don't think pot users are immoral or misguided.I do wish they would stop attempting to B.S. the rest of us. It is obvious that the majority of &quot;medical Marijuana&quot; users that parade in front of city council are not in any pain or are suffering from any malady; they simply want to get high not only with no criminal repercussions but w/o any gov't oversight.That would be akin to my going to the Pharmacy and insisting on being given any drug I want for any reason w/o a prescription_ and please don't attempt to snow me any further I know enough &quot;cardholders&quot; who have absolutely nothing wrong. And the refusal to admit the abuse potential of MJ is another major flaw.There is no doubt it has abuse potential and in fact it affects the same area of the brain that Heroin and alcohol dio. I have no problem with any one using pot responsibly.I just get sick of the self righteous false crap being shoved down my throat.

Grand Marquis de Sade

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.

This really isn't a left/right issue. Like Mike K I also tilt R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N and I am fully in favor of outright legalization of marijuana (or marihuana if you're the state lol). National Review, possibly the most influential conservative publication in the country, has supported legalization for YEARS as do many other notable conservative voices. So rather than castigate all Republicans and conservatives because Bill Shuette happens to be one perhaps those who do so should stop to think that maybe this is an issue on which we can share some common ground. It would be a lot more productive than launching attacks on people who are, more likely than not, your allies on this one. Good day.

Basic Bob

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 11:55 a.m.

Attorney generals don't make laws. But Michigan has a history of politicians using the AG office as a soapbox to air their personal views. Cox more than Granholm, now schuette more than Cox. This guy should put his plans for running for governor on the shelf. No one supports this nonsense except for prescription narcotic users. Because these might kill you but are legal. Unlike pot.

snapshot

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 4 a.m.

This isn't about right wing/left wing agendas. This is about ignorance, stigma, and restricting marijuana use because of all the conflicting laws. Everyone wants to get in on the act and put their footprint on policy. The Feds just need to decriminalize it and sell it in drug stores to anyone over 21 just like alcohol.

Mike

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.

I'm all for legalization of marijuana; the more dumbed down pot heads out there the more job opportunities for those of us who don't have all of these ailments requiring medical marijuana

Tom Joad

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:26 a.m.

The Statute in no way allows California-type dispensaries (Drug Super Stores) The city should not involve itself in granting permits for extra-legal dispensaries which are both prohibited by state and federal law.

snapshot

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 4:02 a.m.

You ever break the speed limit?

Mike K

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.

Just to break all the liberal hooplah, this conservative leaning individual thinks that marijuana should be especially legal for medical usage. In fact, it serves a benefit for recreational usage as well. So for all you liberals who think this is your issue, WRONG. This R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N leaning INDIVIDUAL thinks medical marijuana should be perfectly legal. So as you persist in classifying individuals, take heed, not one model fits all in as much as you'd like it to. The real HYPOCRITES are those liberals who espouse to &quot;tax the rich&quot; yet hire their own tax accountant to AVOID paying their fair share and PROTECT their wealth. Witness John Kerry's boat. These are the same HYPOCRITES that take every deduction possible and complain about &quot;big oil&quot; doing the same. These are the same HYPOCRITES that continually complain about jobs being shipped overseas, yet support unions that used their power to make the cost of production so high that there is no other alternative to compete? For good measure, I leave you with a little Thomas Jefferson. &quot;The policy of the American government is to leave their citizens free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits.&quot; (Letter to M. L'Hommande, 1787) &quot;The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground&quot;. (Letter to Edward Carrington, 1788) Could anyone have predicted that last one more correctly?

chefbrian1

Sat, Sep 3, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.

Make a chalk mark on the board for one republican for legalizing marijuana. Thanks for your support

Milton Shift

Thu, Jun 30, 2011 : 3:45 a.m.

Good to hear - I am solidly on the left, and I agree with you.

Mike K

Thu, Jun 30, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.

Thanks for the reply Milton. I am not a republican. I am a &quot;non party affiliate&quot; as we are designated here in Michigan. Both parties are repulsive for their blind idealism, but as you may see from my original posts, I am not, will never be, liberal. I find no comfort, solice or fairness in a grander, larger government that has no competition other than the un-powerful governed.

Milton Shift

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 7:22 p.m.

Mike, you may personally be a supporter of medical marijuana. Many Republican voters are. But Republican politicians are the greatest enemy medical marijuana advocates face. Look at their voting records on the issue and you will see. If you are a Republican and unhappy with their policies, call and write them, and if they don't budge, vote for someone that respects the wishes of their voters.

Mike K

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 1:11 a.m.

BTW, if you have any recommedations for a good tax accountant, I need one with all the taxes this household pays.

Mike K

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.

No, you were trying to question the quotes from Jefferson. I get that. I merely questioned the current president. Niether have anything to do with marjiuana -- I think.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:38 a.m.

&quot;Yeah, just like Obama's vision matched his actions lol&quot; I wasn't quoting Obama to make some obtuse point about marijuana. Good Night and Good Luck

Mike K

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.

And lastly, it is a whole lot easier to leave Michigan that it is to leave the USA. Maybe CA and NY are better places for you?

Mike K

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:08 a.m.

Let's be clear Cash. What is taxed is pensions that something like 40 or more other states are already taxing. It is not new. It is not unique, and the the states that are taxing this income are seemingly having no resistance to taxing this income. The use of terms like taxing the &quot;working poor&quot; and &quot;elderly&quot; are overly emotional pleas to promote your own agenda. It is what it is. It's kind of amazing that we agree on something, yet the differences are the focus. Candidly, I believe you would prefer that I argue against medical marijuana. It would fit nicely into your preceived model, and allow you to work off your template.

Cash

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.

Couldn't quite see the connection between this post and marijuana. Hmmmmm........I think I might be seeing it now.

Cash

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:59 p.m.

Did we all sign up to tax the working poor and elderly with Snyder ? Nope. But that is what we got. We can all vote for any change we want. Free country.

Mike K

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:53 p.m.

Yeah, just like Obama's vision matched his actions lol. Did we all sign up for a tax and spend agenda? Did we all sign up to &quot;stimulus&quot; that built few productive assets? Did we all sign up to an insurance MANDATE by the federal government? The difference between Jefferson and Obama is that Jefferson gave us this nation. It works two ways Ed's Ghost. Always does, even hypocracy.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.

Wonderful quotes of Jefferson. Now, go read about his presidency and explain to us how is words match his actions. Good Night and Good Luck

Mike K

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:31 p.m.

Here &quot;So for all you liberals who think this is your issue, WRONG. This R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N leaning INDIVIDUAL thinks medical marijuana should be perfectly legal.&quot;

Cash

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.

Little hard to follow the medical marijuana thread here?

Michigan Man

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.

My condolences to those in Ann Arbor to thought they would be able to score a joint in the businesses inside the Nichols arcade. Is this man a U of M or U of M law school graduate? Sounds like Ann Arbor is making a radical turn to the right - Ouimet, Synder and now Schuette! I am so pleased that Ann Arbor is moving in this direction - I may move back to Ann Arbor from the Chicago area. I could even help spur some real estate growth by buying another property in Ann Arbor - maybe I will consider the Saline and/or Dexter communities. Ann Arbor seems to be returning to its 1940 and 1950 Republican roots when the city really took off and prospered which in turn allow Ann Arbor to become what it is today. I wish our new Republican leaders continued great success!

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.

&quot;That state is a mess and the last two governors were convicted of corruption. Not something I would brag about if I were a Democrat&quot; The governor before Blago, who is now in prison (where Blago will soon be), was a Republican. It's easily verified, if you don't believe me. But I'm CERTAIN that your completely unverifiable claim of &quot;gun toting business agents (union reps)&quot; is 100% correct. Good Night and Good Luck

Mike

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.

@cash - what is so successful about Chicago? That state is a mess and the last two governors were convicted of corruption. Not something I would brag about if I were a Democrat. I had a chance to work there and experience gun toting business agents (union reps) from the construction unions telling me &quot;I didn't understand how things work in this town&quot;. Intimidation, pay-offs, and coercion were the name of the game so Blogo going to prison wasn't a surprise; he just got caught.

Maxwell

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 3:25 a.m.

We need the fifties tax rates...

Cash

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.

And thus, you live in successful Chicago, the Democratic stronghold! LOL

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.

Gee, there's a shock. The ultra-conservative attorney general has overturned the will of the people as expressed in an election. Even better, the Republican Party, which allegedly wants the government out of our lives, is more than willing to intrude into our lives in those areas they see fit--all of them very private--abortion, birth control, gay marriage, medicinal marijuana. How do you spell hypocrite? R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N Good Night and Good Luck

Will Warner

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.

&quot;The ultra-conservative attorney general has overturned the will of the people as expressed in an election.&quot; Again we agree. He needs to get out of the way. And our community leaders need to stop taking themselves so seriously and just get on with authorizing distribution mechanisms. But I wonder what to make of the will of the people as expressed in the constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriage, civil unions, and any marriage-like contract between unmarried persons, and the purported efforts by state institutions to finesse their HR policies to get around it?

wlinsenbigler

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.

I know when I think of all the crime that needs to be addressed in Flint, Detroit and many other cities in Michigan, I do not think that clearing up medicinal marijuana use is where I would start in my fight against crime. I know if I was walking through any bad area of Flint at night I would be most concerned with medicinal marijuana users and if they made their purchases legally or not.

Michigan Man

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.

Why are you hating on Flint - I have worked at two hospitals in Flint and find those who live in the greater Flint area to be hard working, solid and community minded Americans!

Milton Shift

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.

He is paid to write reasonable ones that respect the wishes of the voters and the rights of the individual to privacy and choice in their personal life, including such personal issues as health care. He's not doing his job.

shadow wilson

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.

The atty general is paid to write opinions.

fjord

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.

So Rick Snyder wasn't the only horrible decision made by Michigan voters in 2010. Shocking.

Milton Shift

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 9:07 p.m.

Interesting opinion from the man who campaigned against allowing AIDS and cancer patients from using a life saving treatment, and one that prevents glaucoma patients from going blind. He says dispensaries are illegal. Huh. He said they would be legal when campaigning against it. He says patients can't receive help from a caregiver if they need it when cultivating their plants. What is the point of a caregiver, then? And why on earth make caregivers have every set of plants separate? That would only increase electrical consumption, space requirements, and noise, making things much more expensive for caregivers and patients to set up. If patient to patient transfers are illegal, then how does anyone get seeds, plants, or medicine to begin with? This opinion appears to only grandfather in existing plants. Once yours die, you can't go get new ones or seeds from anyone, according to him. The best part of this opinion is when he says that medical marijuana patients are STILL BREAKING THE LAW, and the medical marijuana law only tells prosecutors not to prosecute. Nice. Remember: This is only an opinion. It is not binding law.

Milton Shift

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 5:58 p.m.

Also, glaucoma is a listed condition for medical marijuana in almost every medical marijuana state for a very good reason: it is an excellent treatment for glaucoma, a disease that leads to progressive blindness.

Milton Shift

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.

Marijuana is not a gateway drug. No credible study has ever concluded it to be. In fact, it often serves as a gateway OUT of drug abuse. I have seen heroin addicts use marijuana to deal with withdrawal symptoms (muscle cramps, cold sweats, insomnia, vomiting, extreme anxiety) when kicking their habit.

1bit

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:15 p.m.

Milton: Stick to the AIDS and cancer thing. Marijuana has never prevented anyone from going blind.

shadow wilson

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 10:47 p.m.

So you can not say with any certainty that MJ is not a gateway drug?

Milton Shift

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 10:38 p.m.

Marijuana is no more addictive than computer games. No one has ever experienced any physical withdrawal symptoms. You need to do some research and turn off the Reagan reruns. I am not a user, but I have seen how much it can help others. I have someone I've known since I was born dealing with brain cancer. It's an awful, crippling disease and I can't imagine how anyone could tell them they're not allowed to use something that could save their life, or at least ease their passing - that is pure cruelty. Marijuana is an analgesic. In fact, the way that Tylenol works is by mimicking the effect of marijuana on the cannabinoid receptors. For some forms of pain, marijuana is more effective, and for others, opiates. Also, people's responses to individual drugs varies from person to person. Some get great relief from marijuana, some don't. Marijuana doesn't just treat the symptoms of cancer, it actually kills cancer cells: <a href="http://scienceblogs.com/scientificactivist/2009/04/thc_gives_cancer_cells_the_mun.php" rel='nofollow'>http://scienceblogs.com/scientificactivist/2009/04/thc_gives_cancer_cells_the_mun.php</a> And if you think that vomiting has never lead to a single cancer death, you probably have never seen anyone with it. They waste away. They have no appetite and can keep nothing down. Marijuana changes all that - instantly. They put on weight and gain the strength to fight on and survive the chemo. As far as gateway drugs go, alcohol is the number one predictive factor in hard drug use. And the prescription painkillers you say people should take are - again - almost identical to heroin in both addictive potential and physical hazard. You are advocating that people use heroin instead of marijuana because, as you say, heroin is safer and more effective.

shadow wilson

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 10:28 p.m.

Marijuana is addicting.That is why the likes of you are constantly whining you want to be able to get high with no legal consequences.Have you noticed that only the users are constantly griping? Junkie behavior.I have nothing against your getting high just pointing out how annoying and transparent it is that you all try to cloak it as a medical need. As for your tirade against traditional cancer chemo and traditional painkillers......marijuana is not an analgesic it never has been and never will be.Heroin , dilaudid morphine and all the other opiates and synthetic opiates are analgesics.Those medications are specifically for pain.So when a person/patient is on an opiate/analgesic as prescribed by a physician they are considered drug dependent. And when the time comes they are weaned from the dependency; this is true of some of the more recent anti-depressants and some barbituates as well. Show me one documented case of MJ saving a person suffering from cancer of any kind.Some cancer chemo in fact much of it is primitive but the big difference is it kills the cancer...people have been saved and are cancer free......one documented case of MJ is all I ask. As for gateway here is my question: If someone starts out smoking pot and then goes on to use Heroin is MJ not a gateway drug?

Milton Shift

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 9:53 p.m.

Tell that the idea it's &quot;Life saving&quot; is a &quot;joke&quot; to a cancer patient. Chemo and AIDS both lead to uncontrollable vomiting and the inability to eat. If you can't eat, you die, especially when your body is already so terrible taxed by these diseases. Please do some research before speaking on something you are clueless about. Besides, would you rather people use non-addictive marijuana to treat their pain, or extremely addictive painkillers (oxy, morphine, vicodin, codeine) which are closely related to HEROIN? Let me guess. You think they should use the heroin analogs because marijuana is a supposed gateway to heroin use.

shadow wilson

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 9:42 p.m.

Life saving? What a joke. The sad thing is that all the reefer junkies are whining and griping because they want to be able to smoke up when ever and where ever under the ruse of &quot; I'm sickand in pain&quot;...when clearly they are not... and yet those that might really benefit are guilty by association.Med MJ is good for those that need it; for the majority it is a scam and a very transparent one at that.

Atticus F.

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.

A lower court has already ruled that cannabis transfers between 2 patients qualify as legal use.

treetowncartel

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 2:52 a.m.

A lower court's ruling only applies to the area governed by the lower court. You need a cour of appelas ruling to cover the whole state.

Atticus F.

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.

Bill Shuette is a notorious anti-medical MJ crusader. Also, Michigan state law clearly mentions 2 different classifications of caregivers. They refer to Primary caregivers, and qualified caregivers. And the law clearly states that the transfer of cannabis is legal between a QUALIFIED caregiver and a registered patient. It does not read that cannabis transfers are legal only between a primary caregiver and a registered patient.

treetowncartel

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 2:52 a.m.

He can't cite that regulation, it doesn't exist.

Red Barber

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.

Where is this distinction clearly made? Can you cite the section and subsection? It is my understanding of the language that there is no such distinction made. There are two classifications: qualifying patient and primary caregiver. I see no mention of a 'qualified caregiver' in the language; but that's not to say it's not there.

Cash

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.

The extreme right wings wants government to stay out of the way, correct? No. The extreme right wing wants government interference when it's fits their private agenda. Government needs to stay out of running business except when they aren't profiting from it....liquor tax makes bars acceptable, marijuana a no-no. Government needs to stay out of health care ...oops except when it comes to telling women what to do with their bodies. Government needs to stay out of privacy issues except when it comes to gays having equal rights and marrying. Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct or split identities or personality states that continually have power over the person's behavior....hmmmm, I wonder.....

treetowncartel

Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 2:51 a.m.

What happened was a shortcoming of the lrgislature to not have the services buraeu work a manageable law. The legisltrue wouldn't touch this topoic, and yet the majority overwhlmingly approved it. Now we are stcuk with an absolute mess. Hand off, hands on, who knows? Just legalize it, regulate it, and tax the crap out of it.

Roger Roth

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 9:45 p.m.

I think the short form is Hypocrisy.