Prosecutor to marijuana dispensary owners: Take concerns to Lansing

Posted on Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 5:58 a.m.

Prosecutor to marijuana dispensary owners: Take concerns to Lansing

By Juliana Keeping

The Washtenaw County prosecutor said those who disagree with a recent ruling affecting medical marijuana sales should work at the state level to push for more legalization.

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie weighed in on the recent appeals court ruling that made the sale of marijuana at dispensaries illegal.

The ruling says the establishments can be shut down under a state public nuisance law, according to state Attorney General Bill Schuette. There are around 20 dispensaries operating in the Washtenaw County.

Mackie said the office will deal with cases involving dispensaries as they arise. So far, it's business as usual at the prosecutor’s office, he said.

“We enforce all state law. We don’t have a special unit for the prosecution of dispensaries or anything,” Mackie said. “We simply deal with them like the other 9,000 or 10,000 warrant requests that will come to us in a year."

Medical marijuana action

Here are some of AnnArbor.com’s recent stories on the issues surrounding medical marijuana:

There is no onslaught of those requests, he said.

Numerous dispensary businesses in Ann Arbor closed their doors to patients Monday, within a week of the ruling and raids by Michigan State Police drug investigators on two dispensaries. Law enforcement said last week that dispensary raids were unrelated to the ruling and based on ongoing investigations.

“As with most things, this is very important to a lot of people, but we also take murders, rapes, armed robbery and any number of things seriously,” Mackie added.

“If there is violation of the law and a suspect and investigation, we deal with what comes in.”

Schuette provided a letter to the state’s 83 elected prosecutors outlining how the businesses could be shut down under the new guidelines.

Asked about the letter and if he would be following the instructions in contained, Mackie said “I’m going by the decision.”

The attorney general’s office did not respond to an AnnArbor.com requests for the letter shared with prosecutors.

The 17-page decision is pretty clear, Mackie said: No patient-to-patient sales are allowed at dispensaries - a model commonly used to serve hundreds or thousands of customers, according to dispensary owners.

Under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, patients with certain medical conditions can grow marijuana plants for themselves or have a caregiver do it for them.

“The pro-med marijuana people got their law passed; it just wasn’t as comprehensive as they thought it was,” Mackie said. “So if they want change, they need to go to Lansing and work on that if they want more legalization.”

Juliana Keeping covers general assignment and health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter

Comments

Athena Aegis

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.

So here's how we can take this to Lansing. End Prohibition. It's as ridiculous now as it was in 1933. There's an effort beginning to Repeal Marijuana Prohibition in Michigan. repealtoday.org has information on how to get involved, volunteer to get signatures, anything you can do to help. Let's get this on the 2012 Ballot and get it repealed.

Red Barber

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 11:42 a.m.

I think it would be in everyone's best interest if the state would look to Colorado's regulated model as an example to emulate. Allow dispensaries and regulate them accordingly. It's not as if this state couldn't use the tax revenues. If you don't have the time or inclination to watch the full clip jump to the 45:00 minute mark and watch the last bit of it. That's a lot of money they're talking about. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaJSN0VPXUw" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaJSN0VPXUw</a>

Jack Gladney

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 9:34 a.m.

This MMJ issue is a joke. It's just a cover for dope dealers. I know someone who runs a "dispensary." It's all wink, wink. Nudge, nudge.

Milton Shift

Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.

I have met those that run dispensaries before as well. It was not wink wink, nudge nudge, but thank you for assuming that the low lifes you apparently associate with represent all of us.

KathrynHahn

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 8:29 a.m.

All I can say is that I am glad there are still dispensaries operating elsewhere, so I can continue to attain my tincture (drops under my tongue that do NOT get one "high") but work as a muscle relaxer/pain reliever so I can get off the deadly drugs my physician has me on (Vicodin-rotting my liver). With multiple disc injuries I was in a panic thinking I would have to go back on the Presription narcotic routine again. It's far more dangerous to the body than ingesting cannabis oil. I don't smoke it, so no lung damage. Look up acetominaphin and it's harm on the liver with long term use and imagine your Dr. telling you to take it every day for the rest of your life! Mother natures medicine is much safer! To those of you who think the Medical Marijuana law allows recreational users to use & re-sell, last I heard a recreational user could buy an ounce on the street for like $150-200.00, but in a dispensary it's $500-$600 for the same amount. Why would anyone spend all that extra money for some smoke?

gonefishin27

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.

Please try educating before making a fool of yourself. I don't smoke nor am I a patient. I am a 68 year old grandmother who believes in doing the research before I speak. The Truth and Facts of Marijuana <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg-egvnukgg&feature=youtu.be" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg-egvnukgg&feature=youtu.be</a> The Facts: Why Marijuana is NOT Dangerous <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0GSIkeWcFQ&feature=youtu.be" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0GSIkeWcFQ&feature=youtu.be</a> The Power of Hemp and its countless uses <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZvFE53JzDk&feature=share" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZvFE53JzDk&feature=share</a> DCA Possible Cure for Cancer <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7y9PO-qAoQ" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7y9PO-qAoQ</a> THC has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for these purposes. <a href="http://www.lynnicewedewer.com/id17.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.lynnicewedewer.com/id17.html</a> Boy, two, with brain cancer is 'cured' after secretly being fed medical marijuana by his father Read more: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1383240/Boy-brain-cancer-cured-secretly-fed-medical-marijuana-father.html#ixzz1WNIUBaW6" rel='nofollow'>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1383240/Boy-brain-cancer-cured-secretly-fed-medical-marijuana-father.html#ixzz1WNIUBaW6</a>

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:41 a.m.

Grandma, research this: <a href="http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html" rel='nofollow'>http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html</a> <a href="http://www.justice.gov/dea/ongoing/marijuanap.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.justice.gov/dea/ongoing/marijuanap.html</a> Note: Anyone can post anything on Youtube. These two sites are US Government sites.

Nephilim

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.

Terry, I had to give you a vote because that was downright funny! I know we probably shouldn't be making light of such a serious topic but I guess we are just that class of people. Argue on my fellow Americans........

Forever27

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.

"We enforce all state law. We don't have a special unit for the prosecution of dispensaries or anything," Mackie said. "We simply deal with them like the other 9,000 or 10,000 warrant requests that will come to us in a year." -except for the Storm Troopers a.k.a. LAWNET. I'd call that a "special unit"

E. Manuel Goldstein

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.

Medical Marijuana patients and their supporters should start locally and take their concerns to the Washtenaw County Commission, and the Ann Arbor City Council demanding ballot measures that would make Medical Marijuana enforcement a zero priority. Additionally, demands should be made to remove Washtenaw County and AAPD from LAWNET. Shouldn't law enforcement be tackling real problems like meth labs, rape, robbery and murder? Why the waste of scarce taxpayer resources on raiding Medical Marijuana establishments? Brian Mackie and Steve Postema, why are you trying to make an example of Chuck Ream? Personally, I would like to see what evidence led to raiding his clinic. That's another item that annarbor.com should be FOIAing. I would bet anyone a dollar on these forums that Bill Schuette smoked marijuana in college.

gonefishin27

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:45 p.m.

His nickname in HS and College was Billy Bong. I know lots of people from Midland in the know and he was Captain of the football team at the time. It upsets him when people bring this up. He says it isn't fair that people use his foolishness in youth against him now.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 5:31 p.m.

All I can say that I will never ever vote for Brian Mackie ever again and may even actively work to get someone more willing to represent the people into his position.

fishjamaica

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 5 p.m.

Does Schuette have any ties with Mexican drug gangs? They seem to be the most likely to profit from the closing of dispensaries. Just wondering...

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:36 a.m.

Well its not me, but I am sure a whole lotta folks reading here got the goods on that first question.

Hmm

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 6:39 p.m.

Seriously, when that court ruling came down the other day, the only people happy about it were black market drug dealers and LEO. Says a lot

Basic Bob

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.

This law-n-order stuff gets him votes. The enemy of your enemy is....

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.

Wait a second - didn't we already take our concerns to Lansing BY VOTING ON A LAW TO LEGALIZE MEDICAL USE? This is insane! I am not a pot smoker nor do I condone the high prices. Raiding the clinics instead of looking for a rapist is extremely transparent - the clinic has money, the rapist will only cost money. Just like all the crackhouses and other dangers out there that are being ignored.

ChunkyPastaSauce

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.

No one seems to be actually reading the ruling. What it says is the patient to patient sales are illegal (never in actual law). This article briefly mentions this in the third to last paragraph: "The 17-page decision is pretty clear, Mackie said: No patient-to-patient sales are allowed at dispensaries" Dispensaries are in fact still legal under caregiver to patient exchanges.

voter

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.

As long as they ONLY sell to their 5 patients.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.

Mackie says he acts on the 9000 to 10,000 request he gets a year for enforcement. It seems he placed a very high priority and made plans very quickly after AG Scheutte's opinion was made public. IT didn't take him long to get LAWNET, Chief Barnett and Stephen Postema to agree and cooperate with the heavy handed raids on local businesses. This fact belies his, it's no different from any other request, attitude and the action that he took.

Milton Shift

Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.

You are a retired detective. You should know as well as anyone that people lie and deceive, and you must look beyond what's immediately apparent (or claimed) to find the truth.

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:31 a.m.

and it makes you look foolish

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:30 a.m.

If you have proof that contrary to the story the raids are related to the Attorney General's opinion, then let's hear them. You speak of fact, let's hear it. Otherwise your arguments are empty.

bunnyabbot

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.

also for those that complain about drug companies trying to make big profits off the little people I find it discusting that people want to make a buck off of sick people in the name of just trying to help by way of having a patient to patient dispensaries, call it what it is, you want to be a sanctioned drug dealer.

Milton Shift

Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.

There's a lot of training involved in working for a cartel, and they have pretty strict rules too.

bunnyabbot

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.

@woman, pharmacists and pharmacy techs go to school, they are well studied, tested and licensed and have to maintain their license. A couple pharmacists that I know actually went to and graduated from medical school before deciding to becoming pharmacists, anyway my point is pharmacists know a lot more about the effects of perscriptions, what not to use with what etc as opposed to some back room drug dealer posing as a medical marijunan shop in a strip mall. Additionally pharmacies aka "sanctioned" drug dealers have pretty rigid peramiters of operation, drug count, record keeping and all "drugs" are approved by the FDA. Someone growing weed for someone else might be telling people it's organic but it could all be hogwash.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.

I don't have anything against big pharmaceutical companies. They certainly have done a lot of good. What I object to is how they try to keep anything that might compete with them illegal. They can't profit from a plant. Making marijuana illegal because there are alternative drugs is like making oatmeal illegal because high cholesterol can be treated with statins I am also not sure what is wrong with people wanting to be sanctioned drug dealers. I mean isn't that what a pharmacy already is?

bunnyabbot

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.

well Mr Blue, actually I would. For one, Drug companies are part of my diversified mutual funds, as are a lot of peoples. Additionally, drug companies use a great deal of their profits to fund research on other stuff, so they end up helping greater segments of societies in the research and developement of medicines to help a greater number of people throughout the world.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.

This is a local grown, local business and local grower issue. Your opinion and attitude strikes against free enterprise, local jobs and money going back into the local economy.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.

So you'd prefer to pay drug company CEO's millions and add to their bottom line as opposed to a caregiver who takes the time and goes to the expense and effort to grow for five patients?

bunnyabbot

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.

I think that most people that voted for medical marrijuana wanted it to allow people who were found to have it on them a pass if they had a medical validation (card) on them, so then theyw ouldn't be arrested etc for having it. Most people don't want to tell someone with cancer for example they can't have it when they are really sick or see these people arrested when they are just trying to eek out through treatments of greatness/dire circumstances. However, a lot of people go out and exaggerate conditions to get cards saying they need medical marijuana. These people actually hurt those that really need it, it makes those people seem like maybe they are also slacker loser stoners (and no one wants to feel that way about some REALLY REALLY sick). True medical marijuana supporters shouldn't want to be lumped in with the tag-ons that just want to have thier behavior of getting stoned condoned on some level. The truth is the bulk of those that jumped on the medical marijuana bandwagon just did so to get the foot in the door to have it legalized. So please. If you want it legalized for recreational purposes carry your own sign with your own tag line and try to get your own laws passed. Otherwise you are just exploiting people with a real need, your using someone out there that has cancer, other diseases.

Milton Shift

Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.

Most of these "minor" conditions can be invisible and yet terrible. Permanent back injuries are excruciatingly painful. I have a friend who was hit by a drunk driver and had her spine wrecked at 20. With marijuana she could move and behave somewhat normally, but without it she was always breaking down into tears and unable to even look over her shoulder. It was hard for people that didn't know her to notice (you learn with time how to act normal enough to not attract attention, it's embarrassing if you don't). She was young and pretty. But she was in serious pain and needed the help. Another great example: cluster headaches, which marijuana can help with. They are considered to be more painful than childbirth and are known as "suicide headaches" as half of those who suffer from them will successfully commit suicide. Those with this condition again look perfectly healthy to the outside observer. Not even 1% of people in Michigan have a medical marijuana card, and probably over half have narcotic pain medications lying around that give nearly the same high (and addiction potential) as heroin. I don't think we have a problem on our hands if some young people (who see marijuana as less taboo) to choose marijuana over the Vicodin the doctor gives them for pain.

bunnyabbot

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.

I don't think my last comment which was removed was a violation. It wasn't directed at another commentator but was a response to why I thought people, including myself regard those who smoke for medical reasons and recreational reasons are viewed differently.

George1984

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.

what are the evils of someone taking it for recreational purposes anyway. and is the need to keep it from them greater than the need of the medically "appropriate".C'mon.... why can't it be both. That's the beauty of cannabis, recreation and medicine.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.

I think it is possible for someone to be a supporter of recreational marijuana and also medical marijuana. I mean, that is my view. I think it should be legalized for everyone but that it is especially cruel to make it illegal for those who need it medically. My support for medical marijuana is not just because it is a stepping stone for legalization of recreational marijuana although that is a small part of it too. I don't see why people think this is somehow dishonest or unethical. The arguments for legalizing medical marijuana are somewhat different than the arguments for legalizing marijuana for recreational use. They are separate issues.

rusty shackelford

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.

"The truth is the bulk of those that jumped on the medical marijuana bandwagon just did so to get the foot in the door to have it legalized." What evidence to you have for this claim? None, right? All medical marijuana requires a prescription, and any doctor can lose his license for writing false prescriptions--for any substance. If what you say is true--and I've seen 0 proof that it is--perhaps we ought to crack down on physicians writing false scrips rather than those providing it to anyone with a seemingly valid prescription.

Ron Granger

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.

Can someone explain how an 80 year old woman in excruciating arthritic pain - who sometimes can't even hold a cup of coffee, and is not allowed to bend over or reach by her back surgeon - is supposed to grow and harvest her own plants, and process the material into a tincture she can add to food or drink? Schuette might say that he is just enforcing the law, but it is apparent that his agenda goes above and beyond.

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:27 a.m.

i would tell her to take any of the many other medicines available to her through Medicare that are far more effective than marijuana. Any doctor prescribing a drug that requires inhaling smoke by an 80 year old should be in prison. There are many more drugs more effective than MJ for her symptoms.

Andrew Jason Clock

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.

Got cut off there, I guess! But really, closing down 300 businesses isn't very customer service friendly and is definitely not very small government. We can't afford that kind of thinking in Michigan anymore, can we Mr. Snyder?

Ron Granger

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.

"Schuette provided a letter to the state's 83 elected prosecutors outlining how the businesses could be shut down under the new guidelines." Schuette is doing everything he can to stop, curtail and chill marijuana as medicine. Despite the law. He seems unwilling to accept what the law provides and is bent on finding any way around it. Prior to being elected Michigan Attorney General, Schuette was pushing an anti-legalization for medicine agenda. One wonders whether he received a large contribution from the pharmaceutical industry recently. Is anyone working on a Schuette recall? It's sad that people like Schuette won't respect the will of the voters, the law, and the natural right for people to seek relief from pain. Meanwhile, people like my Grandmother - who suffers from excruciating arthritis - loses her options for legal access to treatment

gonefishin27

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:32 p.m.

Yes there is a Recall in the works for Schuette. There is a hearing on the language of the petition for Recall I think on Sept 7th in Midland. I will be signing the petition as soon as it is ready. By the way I am a Conservative Republican who voted for MMM law. I knew he wouldn't be any good but the alternative wouldn't be any better. I am getting tired of having to hold my nose to vote for the lesser of the evils in this state. I didn't vote for Snyder in the primary either but he was pushed by the old guard Republicans in the MIGOP and people are getting really tired of the Anuzis crowd in the party.

Andrew Jason Clock

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.

Bill Schuette should visit Oakland California and ask them all about the evils of medical marijuana. Its had the terrible effect of turning a crime ridden city full of blight and facing massive budget deficits (sound like any cities you know?) into a reborn and revitalized urban center with an economy based largely on "pot shops" and "grow houses"(in Schuette speak). The local "pot heads" went to city leaders and asked to pay their fair share, to be taxed and regulated like everyone else, and Oakland City Council and voters had the audacity to agree to it. Its already having the chilling effect of pumping $1 million into city coffers. What we keep ignoring in this debate is that Republican Bill Schuette Michigan Attorney General, just closed down over 300 businesses employing likely hundreds, if not thousands of people. He is going out of his way to apply Drug War language and tactics to his personal crusade against Medical Marijuana, when what Michigan needs is someone who is working with what has fast been becoming a multi-million dollar industry to FAIRLY regulate, and yes, tax all related operations. But, in typical Michigan fashion, we are putting roadblocks in the way of an emerging industry. Like it or not, Medical Marijuana is here. Instead of fighting it at every turn, trying to carry on the futile "War on Drugs" (read "War on poor and non-white Americans) we need to figure out how to work with it to provide a benefit to everyone, including state or local budgets. Don't want dispensaries in your town? Put the rules in place. Smart enough to profit from it? Please do it. Yes, the law is poorly written, but instead of fighting, couldn't we cooperate? We need Jobs & revenue. Didn't Michigan just elect a governor and legislature based on the idea of smaller, common sense, customer service oriented government that was willing to welcome and cooperate with business? Closing down 300 businesses isn't very customer s

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:23 a.m.

Yeah we all want to be like California, billions in debt. Its not working.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.

Snyder lied when he told us that government would be less intrusive, smaller, efficient and pro business. He meant it if it only suited his beliefs and politics.

Ron Granger

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.

"The attorney general's office did not respond to an AnnArbor.com requests for the letter shared with prosecutors." Has annarbor.com FOIA'd the letter?

David Briegel

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.

The citizens of the state don't have a right to know what their public "servants" are doing on our behalf? Them there Big Gubbermint bureaucrats know what's best!

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.

It's the end of the month and annarbordotcom needs to run a bunch of "articles" on pot to make their required hit count.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.

"As with most things, this is very important to a lot of people, but we also take murders, rapes, armed robbery and any number of things seriously," Mackie added." I guess raiding and closing local businesses for political opportunity trumps finding rapists.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.

Yes, legalization needs to happen at the Federal level, but it can begin at the State and local level allowing individual users to grow a small amount, pay a small tax and treat marijuana and it's growers like those people who legally make their own beer and wine.

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.

Not at all true Blue. If there is a law at the federal level, what you do at the state and local level has no impact. The DEA could shut down any of these "dispensaries" as illegal drug sales. Its a reason this was a law that should not have been put on the ballot. No law that contradicts a federal or state law should go on the ballot unless it includes language that repeals the other laws, which of course cannot be done at a state level on a federal law. You really need to learn how this stuff works.

Michigan Man

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.

Blue - Retired multi-millionaire! Sorry for more bad news for you this morning.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.

How's your job search going?

Michigan Man

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.

Blue - what will you bring to the rally/demonstration/protest? Are you bringing booze or marijuana buds?

huh7891

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.

Yes, instead of blaming local law enforcement for the snafu, take your battle to Lansing.

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:16 a.m.

You want to try to explain that huh? Law enforcement does not enforce laws they create, they enforce laws passed in Lansing. There is no snafu here. What was going on was contrary to the law that was passed re MJ If you want that law taken seriously you have to applaud the police in enforcing violations of it. Go ahead, try to explain what snafu occurred.

Terry Star21

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.

Thank you - people want to blame everyone, protest on these pages, and complain with insane solutions. Do something (legal) about it !

The Great Gazoo

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.

Simple solution…. Do not exchange money for pot ! if a patient is legally able to own and use the drug and if a caregiver is legally able to provide this drug too them. Do not charge for the drug, figure out how to charge for the service of administration of the drug, or delivery to the patient's home, or for the storage and safe keeping of the customer … (sorry patent's) product. I'm sure that there are several pot head lawyers that once the fog clears from their heads, will be able to read through the ruling and find a loop hole.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.

Mackie punts.

rusty shackelford

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.

Thankfully, I believe that what we are seeing here is the last throes of the ancien regime on marijuana. I suspect it will be fully legal in the U.S. in my life time. Can those who are against marijuana deregulation show me one example of significant societal ills caused by the drug? NOT including those problems (which are many, including drug violence, etc) that are caused by the enforcement of prohibition? If you can name any ills, are they worse than those caused by drugs that are already legal?

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.

How about two. Is two okay? <a href="http://www.justice.gov/dea/ongoing/marijuanap.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.justice.gov/dea/ongoing/marijuanap.html</a> <a href="http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html" rel='nofollow'>http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html</a>

Gorc

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:29 p.m.

Mackie is quoted as "no patient to patient sales are allowed at dispensaries." My question - if the owner of a dispensary is not a patient him/herself can they legally sell it to a patient? I would imagine most, actuall all, owners of dispensaries have a medical marijuana card that allow them to smoke. If they gave up their right to smoke....could they then sell it for a profit?

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.

Like burying your head in the sand and plugging your ears with your fingers helps anything.

cinnabar7071

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.

The law states you can have 5 patients, I dont think you need to set up a dispensary for that. What you are trying to do is deal drugs and we the people aren't having any of that, at least not openly.

clownfish

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:22 p.m.

Yep, so much better to put it back in the hands of drug cartels. Makes more sense.

dancinginmysoul

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.

Also, it is absolutely correct to say medical marijuana may not create revenue. However, by funneling the money currently being spent on The War on Drugs or D.A.R.E. (by the way, teens who have completed the D.A.R.E program have a higher incidence of trying "illicit" drugs then their non-D.A.R.E counter parts) would allow for an influx of funds to other programs.

dancinginmysoul

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:01 p.m.

People also believe the liquor commercials and the prescription drug commercials. And given that prescription drugs can be egregiously expensive as well as create a slew of of harmful side effects (often creating a need for an additional prescription drug to counteract the side effects of the original medication...yeah, whose pockets does that pad?), I wonder why people continue to have such hatred for a plant that grows naturally, requires no modification to alleviate a variety of medical ailments for a variety of people. Wouldn't it make more sense to use the tax funded dollars being spent on raids, police time, governmental costs, attorneys, jails, prisons, etc. focused on drugs that are actually shown to cause millions of deaths every year? Drugs like alcohol, tobacco, over the counter and prescription medications, meth. Or take any single one of those criteria by itself and it has killed more people in one year then marijuana has in the entire history of the world. And yeah, I'm going to be in Lansing on September 7. I'm a voter and I'm pissed about how my tax dollars are being spent.

gonefishin27

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:35 p.m.

Now all you people spouting off your derogatory remarks about the benefits of marijuana and hemp. Why don't you educate your self first before shooting off your mouths. I did and I am a non smoking Great grandparent and not a patient either. Just a voter who voted for this and am pissed that the state is choosing to step on the vote of 63% of the voting public in this Godforsaken state. Govt meant study Proves THC from Cannabis Cures Cancer. <a href="http://beforeitsnews.com/story/1003/374/Govt_Study_Proves_THC_From_Cannabis_Destroys_Leukemia,_Breast_And_Lung_Cancer_Cells.html" rel='nofollow'>http://beforeitsnews.com/story/1003/374/Govt_Study_Proves_THC_From_Cannabis_Destroys_Leukemia,_Breast_And_Lung_Cancer_Cells.html</a> Medical Cannabis and Its Impact on Human Health a Cannabis Documentary <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Md2WNqqxTQ" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Md2WNqqxTQ</a> AP IMPACT: After 40 years, $1 trillion, US War on Drugs has failed to meet any of its goals <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/05/13/ap-impact-years-trillion-war-drugs-failed-meet-goals/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/05/13/ap-impact-years-trillion-war-drugs-failed-meet-goals/</a> Clearing the Smoke: The Science of Cannabis <a href="http://watch.montanapbs.org/video/1825223761" rel='nofollow'>http://watch.montanapbs.org/video/1825223761</a>

cinnabar7071

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.

Hmm its only set up to penalize those who cant handle simple freedoms. I've been smoking for 30+ years with no problem. If you smoke pot and cause troulble you will find yourself in the court system. If you smoke and dont act a fool you have no problems. Simple enough, right?

Hmm

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.

Cinnabar but you're getting upset at people for playing the game that was given to them. If the system wasn't set up to penalize people for using cannabis do you think they would have to stoop to saying it's "medical"? I agree with you that healthy people shouldn't be getting cards if they aren't truly sick but until there is a way for people to be able to use cannabis recreationally without fear of being arrested then can you blame them for doing what they have to do? Cannabis should not just be for sick people imo

Bob Carlin

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.

On the other hand, there is a large body of credible evidence that a significant number of people do have legitimate medical reasons for using pot.

cinnabar7071

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.

dancinginmysoul I don't think its a hatred of pot as much as its being insulted my potheads and hippys trying to convince us its for medical reasons. I've smoked pot for many years and will never insult anybody by saying its for medical reasons. We are not stupid, and you will run into problems everytime you treat us that way. I was at the Heritage fest in ypsi and one of the depenseries had a doctor coming in that night that charged $150 to get your pot card, if you didn't pass, or get your card the $150 was refunded. What kind of doctor only writes scripts for one drug and nothing else? The answer is a drug dealer.

xmo

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.

Just make it a drug and sell it at a drug store. This way, medical people get the pot they need for pain, its sell is regulated like all other medical drugs and the police, city council etc can spend their time doing their job.

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:07 a.m.

Ha ha ha. You are such a stitch xmo. Why buy something so easy to grow?

Nephilim

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.

what is wrong with a person growing it in their back yard? You tell me...Thats the whole idea of what the legislature kind of allowed, Yet it seems 8000 patients by one statement would rather trudge down to the local dispensary and buy it from there. Nobody yet has said each patient CANT grow it at their house. THEY elect not to. You have muddied your own pond up so much I dont think you even remember what is right and what is wrong at this point. Time to take a blogging time out and clear your thoughts.

Hmm

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.

The problem is that you can't "just make it a drug" it's a naturally growing plant so how can any government truly regulate that? If the government passed a law tomorrow saying no one is allowed to grow tomatoes anymore because they contain a "dangerous" chemical do you think that would stop people from growing tomatoes in their gardens? Sure some people would stop, but for the vast majority of people there is no way the government could stop them from growing their own plants. This is exactly the scenario with cannabis. You can try to regulate it a bit but at the end of the day its a plant that only needs water, light, and food to grow. You can't legislate nature.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.

Sell it at a pharmacy? So CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid can make huge profits? So they can continue to pay their CEO's millions and their employees minimum wage? Sell it at a pharmacy? So the supplier can be Pfizer or Merck and they can make billions off of a plant that people can grow in their garden? So Big Pharma can grow pot and sell it like Tobacco Companies? Adulterate it to increase their profit? The issue has NOTHING to do with your political opinion about city council. What is so wrong with someone with a green thumb growing their own in their backyard?

Adam Jaskiewicz

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:20 a.m.

Why should individuals and small businesses be able to make money on medical marijuana? The state should legalize it so that large corporations can come in and sell it.

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:06 a.m.

Not to mention why anyone would buy something so easy to grow. And why buy it from a corporation when its legal to buy it from your dealer, who can now sell it legally. This argument is a perfect example of how MJ kills brain cells.

Nephilim

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:54 p.m.

whoa whoa whoa Mr Blue.......One of the unspoken ethics of casual, recreational marijuana smokers????? I thought we were talking about the people who were wrenching in pain that needed their medicine? That comment sounds a little off the original charted course you took earlier in posts. Are we now starting to see a glimpse of your true beliefs?

Charlie Brown's Ghost

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.

Sounds like a commune to me.

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:05 p.m.

I hope you're not serious. This is a joke, right? One of the unspoken ethics of casual, recreational marijuana smokers is that if you're going to deal, you don't rip off your "customers" and you only make enough "profit" to cover your costs and provide your yourself. I know we've moved far far away from that youthful and somewhat naive premise, but under the current law the ethic is still the same for patients and their caregivers. Grow and give, but a caregiver is allowed to make enough to cover their costs and make enough "profit" to continue their growing operations. I'd like to see patients and caregivers work for complete legalization without all the bs that involves "big business".

Madhatter

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:33 a.m.

The idea of making a profit off pot sales has oficially gone up in smoke!

eastsidemom

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.

Not...Huge profits will continue to be made by the black market...

ICanSeeClearlyNow

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:26 a.m.

The pro-pot people, especially those with dreams of big profits from it, know from experience in other states that outright legalization doesn't fly with voters. That is why they dreamed up the "medical" marijuana initiative. Michigan fell for it but as the smoke clears it is just now recognizing the farce of an intoxicating chemical that is claimed to cure every ailment under the sun. Regarding a second statewide ballot initiative I believe the old adage applies: Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.

Mick52

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:04 a.m.

Gonefishin27 (what a perfect alias). Do you really expect us to believe YouTube (you post yourself) videos as proof of anything? How about a US Govt agency? US Justice department good enough? National Institute of Health? <a href="http://www.justice.gov/dea/ongoing/marijuanap.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.justice.gov/dea/ongoing/marijuanap.html</a>

gonefishin27

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:28 p.m.

The Truth and Facts of Marijuana <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg-egvnukgg&feature=youtu.be" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg-egvnukgg&feature=youtu.be</a> The Facts: Why Marijuana is NOT Dangerous <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0GSIkeWcFQ&feature=youtu.be" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0GSIkeWcFQ&feature=youtu.be</a> The Power of Hemp and its countless uses <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZvFE53JzDk&feature=share" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZvFE53JzDk&feature=share</a> DCA Possible Cure for Cancer <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7y9PO-qAoQ" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7y9PO-qAoQ</a> THC has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for these purposes. <a href="http://www.lynnicewedewer.com/id17.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.lynnicewedewer.com/id17.html</a> Boy, two, with brain cancer is 'cured' after secretly being fed medical marijuana by his father Read more: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1383240/Boy-brain-cancer-cured-secretly-fed-medical-marijuana-father.html#ixzz1WNIUBaW6" rel='nofollow'>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1383240/Boy-brain-cancer-cured-secretly-fed-medical-marijuana-father.html#ixzz1WNIUBaW6</a>

Michigan Man

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.

Comments by Blue are grossly inaccurate!

Mr Blue

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.

Gross generalizations about the motives of growers and users are just that, gross. Grossly exaggerated, grossly discriminatory, grossly unsympathetic.

Wilford John Presler IV

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:15 p.m.

Even a fool is still entitled to an opinion.....

Terry Redding

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:27 a.m.

Bob, I gave you a vote because you made me laugh. On a more serious note though, while I won't presume to know if the cannibis commercials are true, I do know that the beer commercials are an empirical fact. Yes, after drinking beer I am better at sports (volleyball in particular) and beautiful people do start to ring my doorbell and flock to me on the street. I believe I read in Wikipedia that the real reason prohibition was repealed was exactly because the people finally decided that being denied their medicinal and psychological rights was too much for them to bear. I do need to make one disclaimer however. The whole beer, hot tub, time travel thing is still aggresively under investigation and cannot be confirmed (nor denied I must add) at this time.

Basic Bob

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:31 a.m.

People believe the beer commercials, too.