Looking good in Michigan polls...

[Chuckleberry]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=250837

Dont forget to spread the word, VOTE YES ON PROPOSAL 1

Some of the anti's dont make any sense to me at all, they appear to be brainwashed.

 

[jonezin]

Awesome. Let's just hope/pray that the election numbers look the same.

 

[guest]

Message from MCCC

http://control.mpp.org/site/R?i=uMAg--0cuSBretcKlMXXvA..

Please take four and a half minutes to watch this powerful video.

This is who opponents of Proposal 1 say should go to prison ... to "protect our kids."

After watching the video, would you please take an additional 30 seconds to forward this to everyone you know, asking them to do the same?

If you support Proposal 1 and compassion for the seriously ill, this is the most important five minutes you'll spend between now and Election Day.

Thank you in advance for your help and support.

Sincerely,

Matt Witemyre
Statewide Organizer
Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care

 

[Boston Bud]

Beautiful video.
the work your doing is powerful and long lasting. I'm praying for a successful outcome in november.

 

[jonezin]

I've contacted Matt Witemyre twice now trying to get some yard signs. He said he'd let me know as soon as they are available but I haven't heard anything yet. I see on their website that you can pick them up in GR, so I'm hoping to have some soon.

These last few days to the election are really getting to me. I wish we were voting tomorrow. If this passes it's going to be a Godsend for me, and a lot of other people. I've still been telling everyone I possibly can to vote yes for it, and so far not one person I have talked to is voting no on it. A couple of them have already voted using absentee ballots and voted yes for it.

I wanted to tell you guys too, I've been doing some research on the candidates to see who supports, and who is against proposal 1. Pete Hoekstra is totally against Proposal 1, or any medical use of marijuana. So he's not getting my vote. Carl Levin supports it, so I'm definitely voting for him. I still need to find out how the rest of the candidates stand on it though so I know who to vote for.

 

[Chuckleberry]

Matt sent me two yard signs a few weeks ago, they were delivered by a consumers power worker from the Detroit area hehe. I can tell you, having a sign in my yard has had people stop by asking questions, both for and against the proposal. I think I have convinced a few that were opposed to now vote yes.
I actually saw a sign out in a small town that I never would have thought I would have seen one, had to rush home to see if mine was stolen haha.
This is going to pass, the hard part will be finding a doctor that will recommend medical marijuana. Mine has already shot me down as well as my psychiatrist even though I have 4 ailments that would benefit from self medicating.
If anyone knows of a compassionate doctor in Michigan, please pm me his info asap.

Thanks
C

 

[Mayara]

I'm so happy to see this come to a vote and with such a favorable feeling to most of the people I talk to. I have alot of customers that frequent the photolab where I work and I've had people just randomly talk about it or ask us since we know alot of them so well because they come in 4-5 times a week.

 

[zingablack]

just a simple question i have. i know you can grow your own but can you legally have weed that you bought if the cops can prove you bought it. all of this of course with a med rec. cause i deffinently sp cant grow right now. not my house but i enjoy living in it.

 

[jonezin]

I also have a couple of medical conditions that it is prescribed for in the states that it is already legal in. So I pray several times a day that it passes.

Here's the link to the actual ballot proposal document: Medical Marijuana Ballot Proposal of 2008.doc

That document should answer some of your questions.

 

[Chuckleberry]

just a simple question i have. i know you can grow your own but can you legally have weed that you bought if the cops can prove you bought it. all of this of course with a med rec. cause i deffinently sp cant grow right now. not my house but i enjoy living in it.

Yes you can posses up to 2 1/2 ounces. You will need to find a licensed caregiver and give him/her sole responsibility to grow your medicine for you. HE/she can provide it to you for a fee if im not mistaken. Once again, good luck finding a doctor, im having all kinds of trouble finding one that will even discuss the matter with me...

 

[jonezin]

I planned on waiting until after the election and then looking for a doctor. I'm not sure how I'll find one but hopefully after this passes it'll be easier to locate one. I do have a lead on one though, a coworker said her doctor recently mentioned putting her on marijuana. I plan on getting the doctors name this weekend.

 

[SCF]

Things that worry me about this bill. Its funny how words can be taken and misconstrued. Like

.Proposal 08-1


A legislative initiative to permit the use and cultivation of marijuana for specified medical conditions

The proposed law would:
• Permit physician approved use of marijuana by registered patients with debilitating medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, MS and other conditions as may be approved by the Department of Community Health.




• Permit registered individuals to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility.


Good Qualities i like

• Require Department of Community Health to establish an identification card system for patients qualified to use marijuana and individuals qualified to grow marijuana.

• Permit registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana.




~~~~~~~this is Random forum that is american based so enter at your own will. But it is based out of MN. And has a lot of regular civilians that do not utilize cannabis with aurguments, and questions. i think this would be a great place to educate people regarding prop 1.


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=250837

 

[SCF]

I know this is boring and stuff. But i think its highly interesting to read the proposition from front to back. Especially something as important enough to change my life. They re sneaky and like to put stuff in there that may have nothing to do with medical marijuana. Like lock up all Meth addicts for life no parole. Poor example but you get what I'm saying. Either way i would vote for this hands down. But believe me. Its better to know your laws regarding this, when and if you have any law enforcement encounters. Verses learning it after





INITIATION OF LEGISLATION

An initiation of Legislation to allow under state law the medical use of marihuana; to provide protections for the medical use of marihuana; to provide for a system of registry identification cards for qualifying patients and primary caregivers; to impose a fee for registry application and renewal; to provide for the promulgation of rules; to provide for the administration of this act; to provide for enforcement of this act; to provide for affirmative defenses; and to provide for penalties for violations of this act.

The People of the State of Michigan enact:

1. Short Title.

This act shall be known and may be cited as the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.

2. Findings.

Sec. 2. The people of the State of Michigan find and declare that:

(a) Modern medical research, including as found by the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine in a March 1999 report, has discovered beneficial uses for marihuana in treating or alleviating the pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with a variety of debilitating medical conditions.

(b) Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports and the Compendium of Federal Justice Statistics show that approximately 99 out of every 100 marihuana arrests in the United States are made under state law, rather than under federal law. Consequently, changing state law will have the practical effect of protecting from arrest the vast majority of seriously ill people who have a medical need to use marihuana.

(c) Although federal law currently prohibits any use of marihuana except under very limited circumstances, states are not required to enforce federal law or prosecute people for engaging in activities prohibited by federal law. The laws of Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Washington do not penalize the medical use and cultivation of marihuana. Michigan joins in this effort for the health and welfare of its citizens.

3. Definitions. Sec. 3. As used in this act:

(a) "Debilitating medical condition" means 1 or more of the following:

(1) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, nail patella, or the treatment of these conditions.

(2) A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces 1 or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis.

(3) Any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the department, as provided for in section 5(a).

(b) "Department" means the state department of community health.

"Enclosed, locked facility" means 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.

(d) "Marihuana" means that term as defined in section 7106 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7106.

(e) "Medical use" means the acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, internal possession, delivery, transfer, or transportation of marihuana or paraphernalia relating to the administration of marihuana to treat or alleviate a registered qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the debilitating medical condition.

(f) "Physician" means an individual licensed as a physician under Part 170 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.17001 to 333.17084, or an osteopathic physician under Part 175 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.17501 to 333.17556.

(g) "Primary caregiver" means a person who is at least 21 years old and who has agreed to assist with a patient's medical use of marihuana and who has never been convicted of a felony involving illegal drugs.

(h) "Qualifying patient" means a person who has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition.

(i) "Registry identification card" means a document issued by the department that identifies a person as a registered qualifying patient or registered primary caregiver.

(j) "Usable marihuana" means the dried leaves and flowers of the marihuana plant, and any mixture or preparation thereof, but does not include the seeds, stalks, and roots of the plant.

(k) "Visiting qualifying patient" means a patient who is not a resident of this state or who has been a resident of this state for less than 30 days.

(l) "Written certification" means a document signed by a physician, stating the patient's debilitating medical condition and stating that, in the physician's professional opinion, the patient is likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use of marihuana to treat or alleviate the patient's debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the debilitating medical condition.

4. Protections for the Medical Use of Marihuana.

Sec. 4. (a) A qualifying patient who has been issued and possesses a registry identification card shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, for the medical use of marihuana in accordance with this act, provided that the qualifying patient possesses an amount of marihuana that does not exceed 2.5 ounces of usable marihuana, and, if the qualifying patient has not specified that a primary caregiver will be allowed under state law to cultivate marihuana for the qualifying patient, 12 marihuana plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility. Any incidental amount of seeds, stalks, and unusable roots shall also be allowed under state law and shall not be included in this amount.

(b) A primary caregiver who has been issued and possesses a registry identification card shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, for assisting a qualifying patient to whom he or she is connected through the department's registration process with the medical use of marihuana in accordance with this act, provided that the primary caregiver possesses an amount of marihuana that does not exceed:

(1) 2.5 ounces of usable marihuana for each qualifying patient to whom he or she is connected through the department's registration process; and

(2) for each registered qualifying patient who has specified that the primary caregiver will be allowed under state law to cultivate marihuana for the qualifying patient, 12 marihuana plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility; and

(3) any incidental amount of seeds, stalks, and unusable roots.

(c) A person shall not be denied custody or visitation of a minor for acting in accordance with this act, unless the person's behavior is such that it creates an unreasonable danger to the minor that can be clearly articulated and substantiated.

(d) There shall be a presumption that a qualifying patient or primary caregiver is engaged in the medical use of marihuana in accordance with this act if the qualifying patient or primary caregiver:

(1) is in possession of a registry identification card; and

(2) is in possession of an amount of marihuana that does not exceed the amount allowed under this act. The presumption may be rebutted by evidence that conduct related to marihuana was not for the purpose of alleviating the qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the debilitating medical condition, in accordance with this act.

(e) A registered primary caregiver may receive compensation for costs associated with assisting a registered qualifying patient in the medical use of marihuana. Any such compensation shall not constitute the sale of controlled substances.

(f) A physician shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by the Michigan board of medicine, the Michigan board of osteopathic medicine and surgery, or any other business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, solely for providing written certifications, in the course of a bona fide physician-patient relationship and after the physician has completed a full assessment of the qualifying patient's medical history, or for otherwise stating that, in the physician's professional opinion, a patient is likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use of marihuana to treat or alleviate the patient's serious or debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the serious or debilitating medical condition, provided that nothing shall prevent a professional licensing board from sanctioning a physician for failing to properly evaluate a patient's medical condition or otherwise violating the standard of care for evaluating medical conditions.

(g) A person shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, for providing a registered qualifying patient or a registered primary caregiver with marihuana paraphernalia for purposes of a qualifying patient's medical use of marihuana.

(h) Any marihuana, marihuana paraphernalia, or licit property that is possessed, owned, or used in connection with the medical use of marihuana, as allowed under this act, or acts incidental to such use, shall not be seized or forfeited.

(i) A person shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, solely for being in the presence or vicinity of the medical use of marihuana in accordance with this act, or for assisting a registered qualifying patient with using or administering marihuana.

(j) A registry identification card, or its equivalent, that is issued under the laws of another state, district, territory, commonwealth, or insular possession of the United States that allows the medical use of marihuana by a visiting qualifying patient, or to allow a person to assist with a visiting qualifying patient's medical use of marihuana, shall have the same force and effect as a registry identification card issued by the department.

(k) Any registered qualifying patient or registered primary caregiver who sells marihuana to someone who is not allowed to use marihuana for medical purposes under this act shall have his or her registry identification card revoked and is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both, in addition to any other penalties for the distribution of marihuana.

5. Department to Promulgate Rules.

Sec. 5. (a) Not later than 120 days after the effective date of this act, the department shall promulgate rules pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328, that govern the manner in which the department shall consider the addition of medical conditions or treatments to the list of debilitating medical conditions set forth in section 3(a) of this act. In promulgating rules, the department shall allow for petition by the public to include additional medical conditions and treatments. In considering such petitions, the department shall include public notice of, and an opportunity to comment in a public hearing upon, such petitions. The department shall, after hearing, approve or deny such petitions within 180 days of the submission of the petition. The approval or denial of such a petition shall be considered a final department action, subject to judicial review pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328. Jurisdiction and venue for judicial review are vested in the circuit court for the county of Ingham.

(b) Not later than 120 days after the effective date of this act, the department shall promulgate rules pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328, that govern the manner in which it shall consider applications for and renewals of registry identification cards for qualifying patients and primary caregivers. The department's rules shall establish application and renewal fees that generate revenues sufficient to offset all expenses of implementing and administering this act. The department may establish a sliding scale of application and renewal fees based upon a qualifying patient's family income. The department may accept gifts, grants, and other donations from private sources in order to reduce the application and renewal fees.

6. Administering the Department's Rules.

Sec. 6. (a) The department shall issue registry identification cards to qualifying patients who submit the following, in accordance with the department's rules:

(1) A written certification;

(2) Application or renewal fee;

(3) Name, address, and date of birth of the qualifying patient, except that if the applicant is homeless, no address is required;

(4) Name, address, and telephone number of the qualifying patient's physician;

(5) Name, address, and date of birth of the qualifying patient's primary caregiver, if any; and

(6) If the qualifying patient designates a primary caregiver, a designation as to whether the qualifying patient or primary caregiver will be allowed under state law to possess marihuana plants for the qualifying patient's medical use.

(b) The department shall not issue a registry identification card to a qualifying patient who is under the age of 18 unless:

(1) The qualifying patient's physician has explained the potential risks and benefits of the medical use of marihuana to the qualifying patient and to his or her parent or legal guardian;

(2) The qualifying patient's parent or legal guardian submits a written certification from 2 physicians; and

(3) The qualifying patient's parent or legal guardian consents in writing to:

(A) Allow the qualifying patient's medical use of marihuana;

(B) Serve as the qualifying patient's primary caregiver; and

(C) Control the acquisition of the marihuana, the dosage, and the frequency of the medical use of marihuana by the qualifying patient.

(c) The department shall verify the information contained in an application or renewal submitted pursuant to this section, and shall approve or deny an application or renewal within 15 days of receiving it. The department may deny an application or renewal only if the applicant did not provide the information required pursuant to this section, or if the department determines that the information provided was falsified. Rejection of an application or renewal is considered a final department action, subject to judicial review. Jurisdiction and venue for judicial review are vested in the circuit court for the county of Ingham.

(d) The department shall issue a registry identification card to the primary caregiver, if any, who is named in a qualifying patient's approved application; provided that each qualifying patient can have no more than 1 primary caregiver, and a primary caregiver may assist no more than 5 qualifying patients with their medical use of marihuana.

(e) The department shall issue registry identification cards within 5 days of approving an application or renewal, which shall expire 1 year after the date of issuance. Registry identification cards shall contain all of the following:

(1) Name, address, and date of birth of the qualifying patient.

(2) Name, address, and date of birth of the primary caregiver, if any, of the qualifying patient.

(3) The date of issuance and expiration date of the registry identification card.

(4) A random identification number.

(5) A photograph, if the department requires 1 by rule.

(6) A clear designation showing whether the primary caregiver or the qualifying patient will be allowed under state law to possess the marihuana plants for the qualifying patient's medical use, which shall be determined based solely on the qualifying patient's preference.

(f) If a registered qualifying patient's certifying physician notifies the department in writing that the patient has ceased to suffer from a debilitating medical condition, the card shall become null and void upon notification by the department to the patient.

(g) Possession of, or application for, a registry identification card shall not constitute probable cause or reasonable suspicion, nor shall it be used to support the search of the person or property of the person possessing or applying for the registry identification card, or otherwise subject the person or property of the person to inspection by any local, county or state governmental agency.

(h) The following confidentiality rules shall apply:

(1) Applications and supporting information submitted by qualifying patients, including information regarding their primary caregivers and physicians, are confidential.

(2) The department shall maintain a confidential list of the persons to whom the department has issued registry identification cards. Individual names and other identifying information on the list is confidential and is exempt from disclosure under the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

(3) The department shall verify to law enforcement personnel whether a registry identification card is valid, without disclosing more information than is reasonably necessary to verify the authenticity of the registry identification card.

(4) A person, including an employee or official of the department or another state agency or local unit of government, who discloses confidential information in violation of this act is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both. Notwithstanding this provision, department employees may notify law enforcement about falsified or fraudulent information submitted to the department.

(i) The department shall submit to the legislature an annual report that does not disclose any identifying information about qualifying patients, primary caregivers, or physicians, but does contain, at a minimum, all of the following information:

(1) The number of applications filed for registry identification cards.

(2) The number of qualifying patients and primary caregivers approved in each county.

(3) The nature of the debilitating medical conditions of the qualifying patients.

(4) The number of registry identification cards revoked.

(5) The number of physicians providing written certifications for qualifying patients.

7. Scope of Act.

Sec. 7. (a) The medical use of marihuana is allowed under state law to the extent that it is carried out in accordance with the provisions of this act.

(b) This act shall not permit any person to do any of the following:

(1) Undertake any task under the influence of marihuana, when doing so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice.

(2) Possess marihuana, or otherwise engage in the medical use of marihuana:

(A) in a school bus;

(B) on the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school; or

(C) in any correctional facility.

(3) Smoke marihuana:

(A) on any form of public transportation; or

(B) in any public place.

(4) Operate, navigate, or be in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under the influence of marihuana.

(5) Use marihuana if that person does not have a serious or debilitating medical condition.

(c) Nothing in this act shall be construed to require:

(1) A government medical assistance program or commercial or non-profit health insurer to reimburse a person for costs associated with the medical use of marihuana.

(2) An employer to accommodate the ingestion of marihuana in any workplace or any employee working while under the influence of marihuana.

(d) Fraudulent representation to a law enforcement official of any fact or circumstance relating to the medical use of marihuana to avoid arrest or prosecution shall be punishable by a fine of $500.00, which shall be in addition to any other penalties that may apply for making a false statement or for the use of marihuana other than use undertaken pursuant to this act.

(e) All other acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act do not apply to the medical use of marihuana as provided for by this act.

8. Affirmative Defense and Dismissal for Medical Marihuana.

Sec. 8. (a) Except as provided in section 7, a patient and a patient's primary caregiver, if any, may assert the medical purpose for using marihuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marihuana, and this defense shall be presumed valid where the evidence shows that:

(1) A physician has stated that, in the physician's professional opinion, after having completed a full assessment of the patient's medical history and current medical condition made in the course of a bona fide physician-patient relationship, the patient is likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use of marihuana to treat or alleviate the patient's serious or debilitating medical condition or symptoms of the patient's serious or debilitating medical condition;

(2) The patient and the patient's primary caregiver, if any, were collectively in possession of a quantity of marihuana that was not more than was reasonably necessary to ensure the uninterrupted availability of marihuana for the purpose of treating or alleviating the patient's serious or debilitating medical condition or symptoms of the patient's serious or debilitating medical condition; and

(3) The patient and the patient's primary caregiver, if any, were engaged in the acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, delivery, transfer, or transportation of marihuana or paraphernalia relating to the use of marihuana to treat or alleviate the patient's serious or debilitating medical condition or symptoms of the patient's serious or debilitating medical condition.

(b) A person may assert the medical purpose for using marihuana in a motion to dismiss, and the charges shall be dismissed following an evidentiary hearing where the person shows the elements listed in subsection (a).

(c) If a patient or a patient's primary caregiver demonstrates the patient's medical purpose for using marihuana pursuant to this section, the patient and the patient's primary caregiver shall not be subject to the following for the patient's medical use of marihuana:

(1) disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau; or

(2) forfeiture of any interest in or right to property.

9. Enforcement of this Act.

Sec. 9. (a) If the department fails to adopt rules to implement this act within 120 days of the effective date of this act, a qualifying patient may commence an action in the circuit court for the county of Ingham to compel the department to perform the actions mandated pursuant to the provisions of this act.

(b) If the department fails to issue a valid registry identification card in response to a valid application or renewal submitted pursuant to this act within 20 days of its submission, the registry identification card shall be deemed granted, and a copy of the registry identification application or renewal shall be deemed a valid registry identification card.

(c) If at any time after the 140 days following the effective date of this act the department is not accepting applications, including if it has not created rules allowing qualifying patients to submit applications, a notarized statement by a qualifying patient containing the information required in an application, pursuant to section 6(a)(3)-(6) together with a written certification, shall be deemed a valid registry identification card.

10. Severability.

Sec. 10. Any section of this act being held invalid as to any person or circumstances shall not affect the application of any other section of this act that can be given full effect without the invalid section or application.

 

[SCF]

Eastern Echo Michigan



http://www.mapinc.org/newscc/v08/n919/a06.html?397
Part one of Proposal 1 states that Michigan citizens will acknowledge marijuana as a prescription drug. Although not every voter agrees that marijuana can be used as an effective medicine, a majority of us do according to recent polls taken by the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press. Both polls showed over 60 percent support among likely voters for Proposal 1.

Most Michigan citizens clearly favor the idea that sick residents with a doctor's prescription should have access to marijuana. And serious medical conditions like cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C and MS are specifically named in the proposal as likely candidates for medical marijuana treatment. So far so good.

Part one concludes by stating that all medical conditions qualifying for marijuana treatment will be determined by the Michigan Department of Community Health. That also seems reasonable enough, so the editorial staff of the Eastern Echo unanimously supports this first section.

It's the second, third and fourth sections of Proposal 1 that begin to make the Echo editors a bit uncomfortable. These three sections will likely scare off quite a few Michigan voters as they encounter them on Election Day as well.

Sections two and three give a general description of "registered individuals" with state-issued ID cards growing "limited quantities" of marijuana in an "enclosed, locked facility." So who will issue the ID cards to marijuana patients and their growers? Answer; The Michigan Department of Community Health. Okay, who are they again?

According to their Web site michigan.gov/mdch, the MDCH is among the largest of Michigan's 20 departments of state government, and is "responsible for health policy and management of the state's publicly-funded health service systems."

The director of the MDCH is Janet Olszewski, described as "a long-time health care executive" who has spent "more than 20 years in state government health services." Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed her in January 2003.

What is unnerving about these later sections of Proposal 1 is they provide no details concerning how the MDCH will register, track and enforce the state's legal marijuana users and growers. Will the Office of Drug Control Policy, a division within the MDCH responsible for drug treatment, prevention, education and law enforcement, oversee medical marijuana? Who knows.

The final section of Proposal 1 presents a strange twist on providing medical marijuana to sick Michigan patients. This section would permit "registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana." What's that all about?

Just as the 2004 amendment to Michigan's constitution banning gay marriage was used to overturn Michigan's public same-sex benefits programs in May of this year, section four of Proposition 1 seems designed to eventually provide a legal defense for many types of marijuana prosecutions. After all, what claim to a legal defense should an unregistered caregiver have for the possession or distribution of a controlled substance like marijuana? We at the Echo are just not sure.

So while the Eastern Echo editors all support a patient's right to use prescription marijuana as a medicine, we are divided as to whether Proposition 1 is the best way for Michigan residents to efficiently and safely make that happen.

One thing is clear however; we are all very interested to see how the voters resolve this important health care rights debate. We've said our bit, now it's up to you, Michigan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake



Pubdate: Mon, 6 Oct 2008
Source: Eastern Echo (Eastern Michigan U, MI Edu)
Copyright: 2008 Eastern Echo
Contact: editor@easternecho.com
Website: http://www.easternecho.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4723
Graphic: From the student newspaper
http://www.mapinc.org/images/graphicwitherrors.jpg
Cited: Proposal 1 http://stoparrestingpatients.org/
Referenced: Poll: Michigan Voters Lean Toward Approval of Medical
Marijuana http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n893/a06.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

 

[jonezin]

I just wanted to post this update on this:

The opposition to Proposal 1 has officially hit a new low, and we need you to donate right now to help us combat our opponents' outrageous lies.

With just five days remaining until the initiative goes to a vote, our opponents are running one of the most dishonest ads in recent memory. It shows fake "footage" of a child trying to go in a medical marijuana dispensary and "patients" assaulting an elderly woman, despite the fact that dispensaries aren't even allowed under the initiative, and medical marijuana patients are extremely sick and vulnerable citizens, not thugs.

Watch their absurd, lying commercial here. The obvious intention is to scare undecided voters ... a desperate attempt to knock down our numbers at this late stage. But if we can match them dollar for dollar on the air, we will win. Please donate right now.

The attack on patients in this ad is truly despicable. We're talking about seriously ill Michiganders and their loved ones who simply don't want to fear arrest and jail for using the medicine their physicians have recommended.

These are people like Dr. George Wagoner of Manistee, who recently told the heartbreaking story of his late wife's struggle with ovarian cancer and how medical marijuana eased her tremendous suffering.

Please take a moment to watch the Wagoners' story. This is who the opposition wants in jail to protect "the children." This is who they demean and slander in their lying ad.

Thank you in advance for whatever you can donate today.Proposal 1 is in peril, and we desperately need your help to fight back.

Please forward this message to everyone you know. Michigan voters deserve the truth.

 

[SCF]

that ad is so full of crap! i think voters will see through that bullshit ad. I mean come one. people walking out pushing people as if they have no respect? This is the sigma i have been trying to fight for a long time!!!

 

[zingablack]

what he said^^. its completely ludacris.

 

[guest]

Can you guys please comment on this in support of Proposal 1? We are the number 1 story on Freep.com! Please forward to everyone you know, ASAP! Thanks, all.


http://www.freep.com/article/20081101/NEWS06/81101034


Move to legalize medical marijuana supported by 2-1 margin

By DAWSON BELL
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Michigan voters like the idea of decriminalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes, backing the measure 61%-30%, the Detroit Free Press/Local 4 Michigan Poll shows.

Nine percent said they were undecided about allowing medical marijuana, designated as Proposal 1 on the ballot.

Support for Proposal 1 comes from Michiganders of various backgrounds and parts of the state. But it was stronger among younger voters (66%) than older voters (47%), and among Democrats (76%) than Republicans (49%).

The poll is based on telephone interviews with 616 Michiganders who said they are definitely voting in Tuesday’s election. The poll was conducted by Selzer & Co. Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa, Tuesday through Friday. The poll has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

If approved by voters, Michigan would become the 13th state to allow marijuana to be cultivated and used as a medical treatment. Patients with debilitating medical conditions and a doctor’s authorization couldn’t be prosecuted. Marijuana possession would remain illegal under federal law.

A coalition of medical and law enforcement organizations that formed in the last month to oppose the proposal says approval would send the wrong signal about society’s attitude toward illegal drugs and make pot more accessible to juveniles.

Carrie Roman, a 31-year-old unemployed Detroiter, said she’s not buying that argument. “I think it’s got a lot of benefits,” Roman said. “If kids want pot now, they already know where to get it.”

But Carol Menard, 70, of Woodhaven, who voted by absentee ballot, has already said no to the idea. Menard said marijuana isn’t medicine, and that conditions requiring relief from pain or nausea can be treated with approved pharmaceuticals.

“We have grandchildren,” Menard said. “Is it going to get to the point where kids can buy marijuana out of vending machines? There will be more crime, more theft. This isn’t a close call.”

Matt Resch, spokesman for the opposition group, conceded the anti-Proposal 1 campaign was slow to get under way. But it has been busy in the last month, he said, and is now airing TV commercials, as are backers of medical marijuana.

Contact DAWSON BELL at 313-222-6604 or dbell@freepress.com.





Neal Levine
Director of State Campaigns
Marijuana Policy Project
P.O. Box 50083
Minneapolis, MN 55405
P: 612-326-6690 x802

 

[jonezin]

This "coalition of medical and law enforcement organizations that formed in the last month to oppose the proposal" forgot to mention that it's not "society’s attitude toward illegal drugs". It's only theirs.

Carol Menard is brain dead. If marijuana isn't medicine, then neither is penicillin. Are they going to start selling Oxycontin and morphine out of vending machines too then? Just because those are legal medicines? Get real... Must be there'd be less crime, and less theft if they made Oxycontin and morphine illegal then too right? What an idiot.

 

[jonezin]

Here's another update from the MCCC:

Proposal 1 holding steady in the polls, gaining national attention!
Exciting news!

According to a new independent poll released by the Detroit Free Press and Local 4 Michigan yesterday, Michiganders' support for Proposal 1 is holding steady with a 2-to-1 margin. This support comes from a wide swath of the electorate. And this morning, nationally respected conservative blogger Andrew Sullivan posted the extended video of Dr. Wagoner on his Web site!

But all of this good news will be meaningless if we do not win on Tuesday, and we must not let up. The suffering patients of Michigan need our assistance now more than ever. Our devious opponents have already shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are willing to do or say anything in their cynical attempt to try and dupe the voters of Michigan into voting against a proposal they believe in, and we must not let them succeed.

Would you please consider donating $10 or more right now so we can continue to air our television ads in these crucial final days, continue our get-out-the-vote efforts, and hammer home our message in the run-up to Tuesday’s vote?

You can also provide vital help to the campaign in your own community, among your social networks, and across your spheres of influence.

For instance, consider printing out some of our literature and handing it out at your neighborhood grocery store or post office. Send out daily bulletins on MySpace, and reach out to everyone you know on Facebook. Send Dr. George Wagoner’s compelling video to your friends, family, and any undecided voters you might know.

And most importantly, follow up with every supporter you know and make sure they are ready to vote “yes” on Proposal 1 on Election Day ... and ask that they do the same!

Each of these efforts have unique value and contribute to getting the message out in these all-important final two days: Seriously ill Michigan residents shouldn’t face the threat of arrest and jail for simply trying to alleviate their pain.

This latest poll is encouraging, but it should only motivate us more to keep the momentum up. Thanks to all of you for your hard work let’s keep the pressure up. We’re nearly there!