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.
This will lower prices but maybe the quality will go down so I dont know what to think about it.
Dont trust those republicans in charge to do the right thing
Real stupid deal, now we have to by Canadian pot that the legislature dictates the strength. 1 variety mixed with leaf material to lower the strength I need stronger than 12% to work on my neuropathy. This takes a lot of money out of Michigan workers pockets and puts it in foreign country’s pockets. This is terrible legislation designed to circumvent the people if michigans vote in 2008. These politicians are designing ways to line their pockets and foreign national companies
Remember before the law passed and cops said this will harm our children and that prooved to be false. Your claims of a canadian take over are false. Did Merk or other drug companies grow inferior pot in the 1800s? NO. What makes you think they will grow bad pot now?? They have never had a chance in 100 years. I for one support safe access and this bill does that and I do not need to go to the ghettos to get my medicine. You sound like the cop trying to protect his current status. Let me gues you are a grower in your basement that sells to your 3 patients and 30 friends. Laughing.
Bravo Michigan!!!!!!