Michigan voters to decide on medical marijuana

If passed, Proposal 1 on Michigan's Nov. 4 ballot would legalize the use of marijuana for specified medical conditions.

The proposal would permit the physician approved use of marijuana for registered patients with debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis and other conditions as may be approved by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).  The MDCH would establish an identification card system for patients qualified to use marijuana and individuals qualified to grow limited amounts of it in enclosed and locked facilities.  In addition, both registered and unregistered patients and their primary caregivers could assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a legal defense to any marijuana prosecution.

Current restrictions on non-medical use of marijuana would remain in place, as well as prohibitions on public use and driving under the influence.  Penalties for false statements and fraudulent identification cards would be established.

Medical marijuana has already been legalized in 12 states and five Michigan cities, including Detroit.  Proponents of the measure, organized as the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care, argue that studies have found that smoking marijuana alleviates the symptoms of the diseases covered by it, and as a matter of compassion,  seriously ill people who use doctor-recommended medical marijuana shouldn't face prison for trying to relieve their pain.

In a low key campaign, polls have found the proposal passing by a wide margin, and opponents have only recently organized to fight it.  Coming from the law enforcement and medical fields, they include the Michigan Sheriffs' Association, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Health and Hospital Association, and Michigan Osteopathic Association.

Opponents claim the proposal contains vague language, careless loopholes and dangerous consequences, but their arguments lack a solid foundation.  They argue that the proposal doesn't require prescriptions for marijuana, when in fact it requires physician approval of marijuana use.  Another argument by opponents is that a registered patient could smoke marijuana on the job, ignoring the fact that public use would still be prohibited.  Yet another claim by opponents is that a driver under the influence of medical marijuana who gets into an accident could use medical reasons as a defense, but the proposal continues the ban on driving under the influence.