This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on December 18, 2013.
So here is the deal, a lot of confusion exists with the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. And while I can admit some of the language is vague, the opponents to change (the cops and courts) have intentionally confused the language, essentially trying to rewrite it. It’s a common story and they are succeeding.
So if no one can agree, or rather cares to agree, lets talk about what the Michigan Act says.
First, the people state that marijuana has medical value, this is undisputed and clear.
Second, the act warns us that it is illegal federally and that federal prosecutions really only happen when someone has over 100 plants and 1 pound.
With that said, the act is vague for a reason and makes it very clear, no arrests. The act gives us little direction as far as a distribution scheme, or administrative procedures, but what law does, even the constitution was written in similar fashion and no one calls that document swiss cheese. Laws are polished not beaten at with a sledge hammer.
Michigan law makes clear that no ‘one person’ can be in possession of more than a pound of marijuana and no more than 72 plants, an amount that is under federal minimum thresholds.
Michigan law aims to protect and supply the sick and keep its suppliers safe from big brother.
The who, what, when, where, how much and other questions were left vague to allow a consistent supply of marijuana to the sick.