This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on December 14, 2012.
Changes to Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Act were approved after bi-partisan support in the late hours of session early this morning. Democrats agree to Medical Marihuana changes that Republicans have been demanding.
Immediate changes are, patients will be required to present a picture ID when meeting with a physician or when presenting law enforcement your card, and clarification regarding the doctor/patient relationship will be outlined. In addition, any one with a prior violent, assault or sexual felony, is disqualified from becoming a caregiver, dispensary owner, employee, and pretty much out of business. The other legislation will define what a grow is and what it cannot be.
The only legislation that would help patients (and the State’s printers), cards will now be valid for 2 years as opposed to 1 year currently.
These bills were no surprise, but the Democrat’s support or bargaining, is what amazes advocates and patients. Since this legislation required a super majority (75%), something was given in exchange for the Republican led medical marijuana fixes as this was a unanimous decision.
The impact to our law will be in the details of this legislation, those details have yet to be defined, and this is the unsettling part. Let us hope these new fixes will not be overreaching , or defy the intent of 70% of Michiganders.