This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on November 13, 2013.
Today in Michigan, the birthplace of the Marijuana Patients Organization, our state legislature approved a measure that re-schedules marijuana’s drug classification, allows for pharmacies to sell the medicine and paves the way for commercial growing operations that would supply pharmacists. Of course the bill is entirely dependent on the US government rescheduling marijuana to a schedule 2 drug first.
So why pass the bill?
Some believe it is symbolic, a way for our conservative leadership to show their distain with the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. Many of the drafters of the bill have long been opponents. What the legislature passed is not that odd, over 30 states, including Michigan have medical marijuana laws on their books and since the 1970’s, all of which are contingent on the federal government reclassifying marijuana. Nothing novel about what Michigan just declared or is there.
Perhaps. Michigan’s latest bill is a progressive attempt to change the US government’s stance on medical marijuana. This ‘model’ legislation could and should be shared by the other states. When enough state’s have a ready plan in place, like Michigan, the federal government can simply turn the drug scheduling switch from 1 to 2.
However, until then, we must acknowledge and show respect for those brave caregivers, farmers, dispensaries, clubs and others that have quietly (and without incident) supplied patient needs in the interim, and often while under attack from law enforcement and our local communities.