Bill Schuette holds Michigan Medical Marijuana Act confrence behind closed doors - Medical Cannabis News - International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums

Mt Toaker · 11-18-2011, 05:12 PM

The link to the article is HERE

Michigan medical marijuana advocates protest Bill Schuette's seminar in Grand Rapids
Published: Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 11:18 AM Updated: Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 3:11 PM
John Agar | The Grand Rapids Press By John Agar | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS – Advocates of Michigan's medical marijuana law this morning protested outside of Amway Grand Plaza Hotel where state Attorney General Bill Schuette is holding a conference with area police officials, prosecutors and government leaders.

Protesters carried signs that said, “Stop harassing patients,” and “We the people voted,” as they marched on Pearl Street NW.

Schuette, who opposed the 2008 voter initiative, is viewed by medical marijuana advocates as an enemy of the law.

“At some point, the will of the people has to enter into the argument,” Joe Cain, CEO of Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, said outside the hotel.

“There are cancer patients on these grounds (protesting) today, people who will probably be gone in a year.”

Schuette held a private meeting called, “Clearing the Air: Implementing and Enforcing Michigan's Medical Marijuana Law.”

He is holding conferences in coming days in Livonia, Saginaw and Traverse City.

The Press was not admitted to the seminar here.

Cain said Schuette's goal is to weaken the medial marijuana law.

“He is that powerful. He has the people with the guns, law enforcement to back him up.”

John Sellek, attorney general spokesman, said Schuette isn't trying to prevent legitimate users from access to medical marijuana.

But he said voters didn't expect marijuana dispensaries to pop up across the state. Schuette thinks that the law has been abused, with people seeking to profit from sales or using without a legitimate medical condition.

“Courts have agreed with us,” Sellek said, outside of the room where the seminar is being held. “Courts have found (dispensaries) are not allowed under the act.”

The seminar includes presentations by Schuette, state police, state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, and medical and municipal-law experts.

Sellek said that the law was so vaguely written that legal challenges and controversy should have been expected.

Local state and federal law-enforcement officers, allow with city attorneys and prosecutors were among those attending the seminar.

E-mail John Agar: jagar@grpress.com

The fact that this happened behind closed doors and the press/public were not allowed to hear what was said really worries me. Bill was the number one opponent for the act in the first place and he has been dismantling it bit by bit since he has taken charge as Attorney General of Michigan in 2010.

11-18-2011, 05:12 PM	#1
Mt Toaker Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 680	Bill Schuette holds Michigan Medical Marijuana Act confrence behind closed doors The link to the article is HERE Michigan medical marijuana advocates protest Bill Schuette's seminar in Grand Rapids Published: Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 11:18 AM Updated: Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 3:11 PM John Agar \| The Grand Rapids Press By John Agar \| The Grand Rapids Press GRAND RAPIDS – Advocates of Michigan's medical marijuana law this morning protested outside of Amway Grand Plaza Hotel where state Attorney General Bill Schuette is holding a conference with area police officials, prosecutors and government leaders. Protesters carried signs that said, “Stop harassing patients,” and “We the people voted,” as they marched on Pearl Street NW. Schuette, who opposed the 2008 voter initiative, is viewed by medical marijuana advocates as an enemy of the law. “At some point, the will of the people has to enter into the argument,” Joe Cain, CEO of Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, said outside the hotel. “There are cancer patients on these grounds (protesting) today, people who will probably be gone in a year.” Schuette held a private meeting called, “Clearing the Air: Implementing and Enforcing Michigan's Medical Marijuana Law.” He is holding conferences in coming days in Livonia, Saginaw and Traverse City. The Press was not admitted to the seminar here. Cain said Schuette's goal is to weaken the medial marijuana law. “He is that powerful. He has the people with the guns, law enforcement to back him up.” John Sellek, attorney general spokesman, said Schuette isn't trying to prevent legitimate users from access to medical marijuana. But he said voters didn't expect marijuana dispensaries to pop up across the state. Schuette thinks that the law has been abused, with people seeking to profit from sales or using without a legitimate medical condition. “Courts have agreed with us,” Sellek said, outside of the room where the seminar is being held. “Courts have found (dispensaries) are not allowed under the act.” The seminar includes presentations by Schuette, state police, state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, and medical and municipal-law experts. Sellek said that the law was so vaguely written that legal challenges and controversy should have been expected. Local state and federal law-enforcement officers, allow with city attorneys and prosecutors were among those attending the seminar. E-mail John Agar: jagar@grpress.com The fact that this happened behind closed doors and the press/public were not allowed to hear what was said really worries me. Bill was the number one opponent for the act in the first place and he has been dismantling it bit by bit since he has taken charge as Attorney General of Michigan in 2010.
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