GrowGod
BANNED!
Supporter
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"Tax the heck out of it" lol
The War on Medical Marijuana in MI Super Thread, NEWS,BUST,LAWS <<<<Updated Often>>>>
LittleDabbie
Supporter
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Marijuana legalization group holding Flint town hall meeting on 2016 ballot langauge
FLINT, MI - A town hall meeting has been organized in Flint by the Michigan Comprehensive Cannabis Law Reform Initiative Committee to get feedback on a potential 2016 statewide ballot proposal to legalize marijuana use for adults.
The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19 at The Sweet Leaf, 400 S. Dort Highway, Flint, and set to include committee board member Matthew Abel, a Detroit-based attorney and executive director of Michigan National Organization For the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
A Facebook event post states the event is open to the public and will include a question and answer period where suggestions can be made "that might end up becoming part of our proposed legalization law!"
Other board members set to attend the town hall meeting include Rick Thompson, journalist and board member of Michigan NORML and Americans For Safe Access-Michigan; and Cary Justice, leader of the Safer Saginaw and Safer Montrose petition drives.
"This Act protects the patients, and is pro-farmer, shopkeeper and scientist. That should make people recognize the superiority of our proposal over the others being discussed," said Jeffrey Hank, a Lansing-based attorney and committee chairman, in a news release.
A draft of what's being called the Michigan Marihuana Legalization, Regulation and Economic Stimulus Act calls for legal sales to adults over 21 years old, licensing and regulation system, and 10 percent excise tax, with 40 percent going to transportation, 20 percent to school aid fund, and 20 percent to local municipalities, which could set their own regulations.
In order to get on the ballot, the group would have to collect 250,000 signatures within 180 days' time. Two other groups -- Michigan Cannabis Coalition and Michigan Responsibility Council -- have also been discussing potential proposals regarding marijuana for the 2016 ballot.
"Although three groups have announced an intention to offer legalization programs, we are the only one to offer our language to the public and disclose our backers and full Board of Directors," said Hank in the release.
Other board members include Jamie Powell, Chuck Ream, Jim Powers, Steven Sharpe, David Rudoi, Josey Scoggin and Nick Zettell, Hash Bash director and president of Students for Sensible Drug Policy's Midwest Alumni Association.
"We want to get public input so we can create the best law possible for the people of Michigan," said Thompson, of the town hall meetings, with Powers stating "Public input has already led us to include protections for pediatric medical patients, hemp farmers and others."
Anyone with questions about the upcoming Flint town hall meeting may call 810-259-2571.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/04/marijuana_legalization_group_h.html
FLINT, MI - A town hall meeting has been organized in Flint by the Michigan Comprehensive Cannabis Law Reform Initiative Committee to get feedback on a potential 2016 statewide ballot proposal to legalize marijuana use for adults.
The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19 at The Sweet Leaf, 400 S. Dort Highway, Flint, and set to include committee board member Matthew Abel, a Detroit-based attorney and executive director of Michigan National Organization For the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
A Facebook event post states the event is open to the public and will include a question and answer period where suggestions can be made "that might end up becoming part of our proposed legalization law!"
Other board members set to attend the town hall meeting include Rick Thompson, journalist and board member of Michigan NORML and Americans For Safe Access-Michigan; and Cary Justice, leader of the Safer Saginaw and Safer Montrose petition drives.
"This Act protects the patients, and is pro-farmer, shopkeeper and scientist. That should make people recognize the superiority of our proposal over the others being discussed," said Jeffrey Hank, a Lansing-based attorney and committee chairman, in a news release.
A draft of what's being called the Michigan Marihuana Legalization, Regulation and Economic Stimulus Act calls for legal sales to adults over 21 years old, licensing and regulation system, and 10 percent excise tax, with 40 percent going to transportation, 20 percent to school aid fund, and 20 percent to local municipalities, which could set their own regulations.
In order to get on the ballot, the group would have to collect 250,000 signatures within 180 days' time. Two other groups -- Michigan Cannabis Coalition and Michigan Responsibility Council -- have also been discussing potential proposals regarding marijuana for the 2016 ballot.
"Although three groups have announced an intention to offer legalization programs, we are the only one to offer our language to the public and disclose our backers and full Board of Directors," said Hank in the release.
Other board members include Jamie Powell, Chuck Ream, Jim Powers, Steven Sharpe, David Rudoi, Josey Scoggin and Nick Zettell, Hash Bash director and president of Students for Sensible Drug Policy's Midwest Alumni Association.
"We want to get public input so we can create the best law possible for the people of Michigan," said Thompson, of the town hall meetings, with Powers stating "Public input has already led us to include protections for pediatric medical patients, hemp farmers and others."
Anyone with questions about the upcoming Flint town hall meeting may call 810-259-2571.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/04/marijuana_legalization_group_h.html
LittleDabbie
Supporter
- 11,813
- 438
Robbery and assault over 'dime bag' of marijuana results in 15 to 30-year prison sentence
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A 58-year-old man will be elderly by the time he gets out of prison for repeatedly stabbing a 23-year-old woman after a marijuana transaction went bad.
Career criminal Derrick Maurice Walton was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison Wednesday, April 15, in Kent County Circuit Court for the robbery and assault that occurred last fall.
Walton was selling a so-called "dime bag" of weed to a woman Nov. 16 near Lafayette Avenue and Spencer Street NE when he suddenly demanded money from the alleged victim and then repeatedly stabbed her, according to Grand Rapids Police.
A "dime bag" is lingo for a small amount of marijuana, usually enough for a few joints.
The victim met Walton at a nearby party store to make the transaction when the stabbing occurred around the middle of the afternoon, police say.
The woman was taken to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, where she was treated for multiple non-life threatening wounds.
Walton was arrested soon after the assault while walking down the street, less than a block from the scene. Police say they recovered the knife used in the stabbing.
Walton pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm and no contest to armed robbery on March 23.
In exchange for his plea, the Kent County Prosecutor's Office dropped a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in prison - a sentence he was facing due to his massive criminal record.
Walton has criminal convictions dating back to 1975. They include offenses ranging from numerous minor alcohol crimes to armed robbery.
Michigan Department of Corrections records show he was paroled in April after serving time for 2005 convictions of larceny in a building and assaulting and resisting a police officer. He reportedly absconded from parole in September.
Walton has as much as five years left on the 2005 crime. He must serve that sentence before he can begin the 15 to 30 year sentence handed down Wednesday by Judge George Buth.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2015/04/robbery_and_assault_over_dime.html
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A 58-year-old man will be elderly by the time he gets out of prison for repeatedly stabbing a 23-year-old woman after a marijuana transaction went bad.
Career criminal Derrick Maurice Walton was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison Wednesday, April 15, in Kent County Circuit Court for the robbery and assault that occurred last fall.
Walton was selling a so-called "dime bag" of weed to a woman Nov. 16 near Lafayette Avenue and Spencer Street NE when he suddenly demanded money from the alleged victim and then repeatedly stabbed her, according to Grand Rapids Police.
A "dime bag" is lingo for a small amount of marijuana, usually enough for a few joints.
The victim met Walton at a nearby party store to make the transaction when the stabbing occurred around the middle of the afternoon, police say.
The woman was taken to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, where she was treated for multiple non-life threatening wounds.
Walton was arrested soon after the assault while walking down the street, less than a block from the scene. Police say they recovered the knife used in the stabbing.
Walton pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm and no contest to armed robbery on March 23.
In exchange for his plea, the Kent County Prosecutor's Office dropped a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in prison - a sentence he was facing due to his massive criminal record.
Walton has criminal convictions dating back to 1975. They include offenses ranging from numerous minor alcohol crimes to armed robbery.
Michigan Department of Corrections records show he was paroled in April after serving time for 2005 convictions of larceny in a building and assaulting and resisting a police officer. He reportedly absconded from parole in September.
Walton has as much as five years left on the 2005 crime. He must serve that sentence before he can begin the 15 to 30 year sentence handed down Wednesday by Judge George Buth.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2015/04/robbery_and_assault_over_dime.html
oscar169
Farming 🌱
Supporter
- 2,729
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Judge to announce decision in marijuana-grow case in May
A decision on whether three men facing drug-related allegations in connection with a Brighton Township business that authorities said was a marijuana dispensary has been delayed until May.
On Friday, Livingston County District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader listened to testimony from a former undercover narcotics officer. Following the conclusion of his testimony, Reader said she needed time to review her notes from the five-day hearing that was spread out over several months before announcing her decision whether to send the case to Circuit Court for trial.
Reader’s decision will come at a May 12 hearing.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Michigan State Police raided Grow Green MI on Canterbury Road in May 2013, as well as two homes on Dunlavy Road and Chilson Road in Livingston County following an investigation that began with a tip from a former Grow Green employee.
As a result of the investigation, Grow Green owner Jeffrey William Mote, manager Anthony Charles Portelli and alleged “marijuana farmer” Richard Lee Riley were each charged with possession of 20 or more marijuana plants with intent to deliver.
Testimony in the case, which began in July, revealed that the two houses were owned by Mote, who quit-claim deeded both to Portelli, and that the home’s were being used as marijuana-grow operations instead of residences.
A DEA agent testified that marijuana plants as well as fertilizer and other related equipment for a marijuana-grow operation were found at the Chilson Road home, while a second DEA officer testified that she saw “marijuana plants” in several rooms at a home on Pinckney Road. In all, she said, officers seized 40 plants and about two pounds of dried marijuana from the Pinckney Road home.
The former drug officer who testified Friday said he participated in the search warrant of the Grow Green warehouse on Canterbury Road. He said that inside officers found mail indicating Riley lived at the warehouse, and in that room officers found a small amount of marijuana. He said an estimated six pounds of marijuana was found in a break room and that Portelli “admitted it was his.”
On cross-examination, the three co-defendants’ attorneys questioned the witnesses about whether they knew if the men were medical marijuana patients and/or caregivers under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.
One DEA agent replied he “wasn’t concerned” about the MMMA paperwork because he was operating under a federal search warrant and seizing marijuana.
Although use of marijuana was legalized for medicinal purposes in Michigan, it remains illegal under federal law.
The defense attorneys also questioned the police report of the officer in charge, who admitted on the witness stand that his report was a compilation of the notes taken from himself as well as other officers. He also admitted that things were left out of the report that the officer felt was not important to the case.
“The police report is based on those notes that are incomplete, out of context and missing things, and, further, there’s an admission he may have conflated those notes with things other people said during the interview,” David Rudoi, who represents Riley, said. “Those would be inadmissible to my client.”
Rudoi said the testimony is “completely devoid of evidence leading to probable cause.” He said even if the judge considers Riley’s statements to police, the record does not include any admissions his client “ever possessed any marijuana with intention of delivering it to anybody.”
Assistant Prosecutor Betsy Geyer Sedore said there was evidence Riley lived at the warehouse and had marijuana there as well as his admission that he was a “farmer of marijuana” for Grow Green.
Michael Komorn, who represents Portelli, essentially echoed Rudoi’s arguments about the lack of context and evidence as did Neil Rockind, who represents Mote. Komorn also argued that his client had valid medical marijuana caregiver and patient cards, which could account for the amount of marijuana found.
Rockind said the alleged evidence against his client is that he owned the two homes where marijuana plants were found, he was an owner or partner in Grow Green and was present at the time of the raid at the business. He said his client wasn’t seen at either of the two homes nor seen with marijuana.
“Absent that, there’s no evidence associating him with marijuana, marijuana sales, marijuana trafficking, marijuana cultivation, marijuana manufacture, marijuana delivery or anything associated with that,” Rockind said. “... There is no evidence Mr. Mote participated. ... The state should have stood up and said that the evidence is lacking against Mr. Mote.”
Sedore said Portelli first owned the homes that were raided and worked for the defunct marijuana-grow business. She said it was not credible that Mote could not know what was going on considering he received the homes from Portelli and was a business partner with Portelli.
According to Grow Green MI’s defunct website, the staff included horticulture specialists; microbiology and genetics professionals from Michigan State University; and master electricians, plumbers and heating-and-cooling experts.
Its services included grow-room design layout, energy audits, alternative growing methods and certified water testing. Its retail store offered hydroponics systems, replacement lamps, nutrient, additives and green gadgets.
Contact Livingston Daily justice reporter Lisa Roose-Church at 517-552-2846 or at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @LisaRooseChurch.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/story/news/crime/2015/04/17/marijuana-hearing/25952523/
A decision on whether three men facing drug-related allegations in connection with a Brighton Township business that authorities said was a marijuana dispensary has been delayed until May.
On Friday, Livingston County District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader listened to testimony from a former undercover narcotics officer. Following the conclusion of his testimony, Reader said she needed time to review her notes from the five-day hearing that was spread out over several months before announcing her decision whether to send the case to Circuit Court for trial.
Reader’s decision will come at a May 12 hearing.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Michigan State Police raided Grow Green MI on Canterbury Road in May 2013, as well as two homes on Dunlavy Road and Chilson Road in Livingston County following an investigation that began with a tip from a former Grow Green employee.
As a result of the investigation, Grow Green owner Jeffrey William Mote, manager Anthony Charles Portelli and alleged “marijuana farmer” Richard Lee Riley were each charged with possession of 20 or more marijuana plants with intent to deliver.
Testimony in the case, which began in July, revealed that the two houses were owned by Mote, who quit-claim deeded both to Portelli, and that the home’s were being used as marijuana-grow operations instead of residences.
A DEA agent testified that marijuana plants as well as fertilizer and other related equipment for a marijuana-grow operation were found at the Chilson Road home, while a second DEA officer testified that she saw “marijuana plants” in several rooms at a home on Pinckney Road. In all, she said, officers seized 40 plants and about two pounds of dried marijuana from the Pinckney Road home.
The former drug officer who testified Friday said he participated in the search warrant of the Grow Green warehouse on Canterbury Road. He said that inside officers found mail indicating Riley lived at the warehouse, and in that room officers found a small amount of marijuana. He said an estimated six pounds of marijuana was found in a break room and that Portelli “admitted it was his.”
On cross-examination, the three co-defendants’ attorneys questioned the witnesses about whether they knew if the men were medical marijuana patients and/or caregivers under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.
One DEA agent replied he “wasn’t concerned” about the MMMA paperwork because he was operating under a federal search warrant and seizing marijuana.
Although use of marijuana was legalized for medicinal purposes in Michigan, it remains illegal under federal law.
The defense attorneys also questioned the police report of the officer in charge, who admitted on the witness stand that his report was a compilation of the notes taken from himself as well as other officers. He also admitted that things were left out of the report that the officer felt was not important to the case.
“The police report is based on those notes that are incomplete, out of context and missing things, and, further, there’s an admission he may have conflated those notes with things other people said during the interview,” David Rudoi, who represents Riley, said. “Those would be inadmissible to my client.”
Rudoi said the testimony is “completely devoid of evidence leading to probable cause.” He said even if the judge considers Riley’s statements to police, the record does not include any admissions his client “ever possessed any marijuana with intention of delivering it to anybody.”
Assistant Prosecutor Betsy Geyer Sedore said there was evidence Riley lived at the warehouse and had marijuana there as well as his admission that he was a “farmer of marijuana” for Grow Green.
Michael Komorn, who represents Portelli, essentially echoed Rudoi’s arguments about the lack of context and evidence as did Neil Rockind, who represents Mote. Komorn also argued that his client had valid medical marijuana caregiver and patient cards, which could account for the amount of marijuana found.
Rockind said the alleged evidence against his client is that he owned the two homes where marijuana plants were found, he was an owner or partner in Grow Green and was present at the time of the raid at the business. He said his client wasn’t seen at either of the two homes nor seen with marijuana.
“Absent that, there’s no evidence associating him with marijuana, marijuana sales, marijuana trafficking, marijuana cultivation, marijuana manufacture, marijuana delivery or anything associated with that,” Rockind said. “... There is no evidence Mr. Mote participated. ... The state should have stood up and said that the evidence is lacking against Mr. Mote.”
Sedore said Portelli first owned the homes that were raided and worked for the defunct marijuana-grow business. She said it was not credible that Mote could not know what was going on considering he received the homes from Portelli and was a business partner with Portelli.
According to Grow Green MI’s defunct website, the staff included horticulture specialists; microbiology and genetics professionals from Michigan State University; and master electricians, plumbers and heating-and-cooling experts.
Its services included grow-room design layout, energy audits, alternative growing methods and certified water testing. Its retail store offered hydroponics systems, replacement lamps, nutrient, additives and green gadgets.
Contact Livingston Daily justice reporter Lisa Roose-Church at 517-552-2846 or at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @LisaRooseChurch.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/story/news/crime/2015/04/17/marijuana-hearing/25952523/
sixstring
- 7,079
- 313
Wow that sure is dragging on in the courts.i feel bad for these dudes,its in my town and they did all have the proper paperwork.thanks for the post oscar
oscar169
Farming 🌱
Supporter
- 2,729
- 263
Two more indicted in Detroit Police Narcotics Unit corruption probe
DETROIT, MI -- New indictments resulting from a probe into criminal activity by members of the disbanded Detroit Police Department Narcotics Unit have been filed in federal court.
Now there are five people, including three ex-Detroit police officers, charged with crimes.
Detroit Police Lt. David Hansberry, nicknamed "Hater," and Officer Bryan Watson, nicknamed "bullet," who are 16- and 22-year veterans respectively, are accused of -- among other crimes -- attempting to deal more than five kilos of "a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine," according to their indictments.
They are accused of setting up drug deals and then, while in uniform and driving Detroit police vehicles, initiating fake traffic stops or arrests of participants in illegal transactions. They'd steal drugs, cash and personal property that was divvied between officers and other conspirators for personal gain, according to the charges.
A third officer, Arthur Levells, was named in an indictment filed Wednesday according to court documents.
He faces one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine between June 2010 and August 2014.
Kevlin O. Brown, 45, and acquaintance of Hansberry, was indicted previously on a count of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion; and Calvin Turner was indicted on a count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine this week.
The indictment says little to explain Turner's involvement, but specifically says the alleged crime occurred on or about April 16, 2013.
Robert Snell and George Hunter of the Detroit News report, based on court records and sources, that Leavells wore a wire to gather information on the corruption for federal investigators.
Detroit-based attorney Michael R. Dezsi beleives the indictments of Hansberry and Watson last week were "just the tip of the iceberg."
Dezsi represents Timothy and Hatema Davis, a Warren couple who claim Detroit police illegally raided their legal medical marijuana operation in late 2013, in a class-action lawsuit against various officers and the Detroit Police Department.
Neither of two officers named in the civil suit, Lt. Charles Flanagan, former head of the Narcotics Unit, or Officer James Napier, who committed suicide in front of his parents' Sterling Heights home on Jan. 22, were named in the criminal complaints.
The civil suit also lists other unidentified officers.
Since filing the civil lawsuit in federal court, Deszi says he's heard from a about a dozen people claiming they've encountered the "same situation."
"Obviously, this problem was much more pervasive," Dezsi said last week. "It certainly it wasn't limited to these two guys."
Dezsi is unclear why Detroit police were conducting a raid in Warren, but said other clients say Detroit police raided their suburban homes in Ferndale and Shelby Township.
The Davis' claim to have possessed legal amounts of marijuana under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act when Detroit police raided their Warren home Dec. 28, 2013.
The lawsuit says the officers, for two hours, "extensively tore apart" the house and, without ever presenting a search warrant or a receipt of seized property, took 50 marijuana plants and byproducts.
Police then took Timothy Davis to a seemingly abandoned building in Detroit and questioned him for five hours, the lawsuit says.
He was eventually released and never charged with crimes or presented with any paperwork related to the raid.
Deszi says other alleged victims plan to join the lawsuit and shared with him similar stories.
"What I've heard generally is it's been about six officers that have come in the house," he said. "Some of (my clients) are afraid to come forward, and some of them were intimidated, naturally so ... but given the indictment, I think that is going to change -- now that people see that the FBI is investigating."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig addressed media last week after the indictments of Hansberry and Watson. He said Hansberry Watson and "about" four other officers were suspended and placed on paid leave in October.
If officers indicted or charged with any crime, Craig said it's his policy to halt pay.
"We should remember that alleged criminal conduct by a few should never paint a picture that the entire police department is corrupt," Craig said last week. "The Detroit Police Department remains committed to the highest standards of integrity.
"All misconduct will continue to be promptly investigated and we will remove any officers who do not live up to those standards and that tarnish the badge."
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2015/04/two_more_indicted_in_dirty_det.html
DETROIT, MI -- New indictments resulting from a probe into criminal activity by members of the disbanded Detroit Police Department Narcotics Unit have been filed in federal court.
Now there are five people, including three ex-Detroit police officers, charged with crimes.
Detroit Police Lt. David Hansberry, nicknamed "Hater," and Officer Bryan Watson, nicknamed "bullet," who are 16- and 22-year veterans respectively, are accused of -- among other crimes -- attempting to deal more than five kilos of "a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine," according to their indictments.
They are accused of setting up drug deals and then, while in uniform and driving Detroit police vehicles, initiating fake traffic stops or arrests of participants in illegal transactions. They'd steal drugs, cash and personal property that was divvied between officers and other conspirators for personal gain, according to the charges.
A third officer, Arthur Levells, was named in an indictment filed Wednesday according to court documents.
He faces one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine between June 2010 and August 2014.
Kevlin O. Brown, 45, and acquaintance of Hansberry, was indicted previously on a count of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion; and Calvin Turner was indicted on a count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine this week.
The indictment says little to explain Turner's involvement, but specifically says the alleged crime occurred on or about April 16, 2013.
Robert Snell and George Hunter of the Detroit News report, based on court records and sources, that Leavells wore a wire to gather information on the corruption for federal investigators.
Detroit-based attorney Michael R. Dezsi beleives the indictments of Hansberry and Watson last week were "just the tip of the iceberg."
Dezsi represents Timothy and Hatema Davis, a Warren couple who claim Detroit police illegally raided their legal medical marijuana operation in late 2013, in a class-action lawsuit against various officers and the Detroit Police Department.
Neither of two officers named in the civil suit, Lt. Charles Flanagan, former head of the Narcotics Unit, or Officer James Napier, who committed suicide in front of his parents' Sterling Heights home on Jan. 22, were named in the criminal complaints.
The civil suit also lists other unidentified officers.
Since filing the civil lawsuit in federal court, Deszi says he's heard from a about a dozen people claiming they've encountered the "same situation."
"Obviously, this problem was much more pervasive," Dezsi said last week. "It certainly it wasn't limited to these two guys."
Dezsi is unclear why Detroit police were conducting a raid in Warren, but said other clients say Detroit police raided their suburban homes in Ferndale and Shelby Township.
The Davis' claim to have possessed legal amounts of marijuana under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act when Detroit police raided their Warren home Dec. 28, 2013.
The lawsuit says the officers, for two hours, "extensively tore apart" the house and, without ever presenting a search warrant or a receipt of seized property, took 50 marijuana plants and byproducts.
Police then took Timothy Davis to a seemingly abandoned building in Detroit and questioned him for five hours, the lawsuit says.
He was eventually released and never charged with crimes or presented with any paperwork related to the raid.
Deszi says other alleged victims plan to join the lawsuit and shared with him similar stories.
"What I've heard generally is it's been about six officers that have come in the house," he said. "Some of (my clients) are afraid to come forward, and some of them were intimidated, naturally so ... but given the indictment, I think that is going to change -- now that people see that the FBI is investigating."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig addressed media last week after the indictments of Hansberry and Watson. He said Hansberry Watson and "about" four other officers were suspended and placed on paid leave in October.
If officers indicted or charged with any crime, Craig said it's his policy to halt pay.
"We should remember that alleged criminal conduct by a few should never paint a picture that the entire police department is corrupt," Craig said last week. "The Detroit Police Department remains committed to the highest standards of integrity.
"All misconduct will continue to be promptly investigated and we will remove any officers who do not live up to those standards and that tarnish the badge."
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2015/04/two_more_indicted_in_dirty_det.html
oscar169
Farming 🌱
Supporter
- 2,729
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Indicted Detroit cops accused of robbing, selling drugs 'just the tip of the iceberg,' attorney says
DETROIT, MI -- Two veteran Detroit police officers are accused of robbing suspects of property, cash and drugs, including more than five kilos of cocaine they intended to sell, U.S. Attorney Babara L. McQuade's office says.
These are the first formal criminal charges announced by the federal government, but a class-action civil lawsuit was filed against multiple Detroit police and the Department alleging similar activity in February.
Detroit-based attorney Michael R. Dezsi represents Timothy and Hatema Davis, a Warren couple who claim Detroit police raided their legal medical marijuana operation in late 2013.
Since filing the civil lawsuit in federal court, Deszi says he's heard from a dozen people claiming they encountered the "same situation."
"Obviously, this problem was much more pervasive," Dezsi said Thursday. "I believe this indictment was just the tip of the iceberg ... Certainly it wasn't limited to these two guys."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who disbanded the Narcotics Unit the indicted officers belonged to last year, called it a "somber day" and the allegations "deeply troubling."
Craig said the "vast majority" of Detroit police are "honest," "hardworking" and "honor the badge."
"We should remember that alleged criminal conduct by a few should never paint a picture that the entire police department is corrupt," Craig said. "The Detroit Police Department remains committed to the highest standards of integrity.
"All misconduct will continue to be promptly investigated and we will remove any officers who do not live up to those standards and that tarnish the badge."
Craig referred to the suspects, Detroit Police Lt. David Hansberry, nicknamed "Hater," and Officer Bryan Watson, nicknamed "bullet," as "former" officers.
He later said they have been on paid administrative leave since October -- several months after Craig disbanded the Narcotics Unit -- and placed on unpaid leave when the indictment was unsealed Thursday.
Hansberry had been on the force for 16 years and Wilson for 20-plus-years, said Craig.
The indictment came following a closed grand jury hearing, the criminal complaint says, and involves "others known and unknown" participants.
Craig said about four other officers were suspended and placed on paid leave in October along with Hansberry and Watson.
"Once there is a shift, if there are criminal allegations, and it moves into a charging situation, then the status moves into no pay," Craig said.
He wouldn't reveal if he expects more indictments or exactly when the federal probe began.
The department increased oversight -- drug operations are now under the umbrella of the Major Crimes Unit -- and is limiting the number of years an officer may remain in drug enforcement to discourage corruption, Craig said.
The chief spoke to media for about 10 minutes before being told he had to leave for another meeting by Detroit Police Media Relations Director June West.
According to the indictment, the officers, while in uniform and driving police vehicles, set up drug deals via informants. They would then engage in fake traffic stops or arrests.
" ... They would divide amongst themselves the money, property and controlled substances obtained from their victims and would sell the controlled substances in order to split the proceeds ... " the indictment says.
The alleged crimes took place over a period of more than four years, between June 2010 and October 2014.
Hansberry, who was promoted to lieutenant in November 2013, and Watson, were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion, possession with intent to deliver five or more kilograms of cocaine and two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking.
The conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, more than five kilos of cocaine, carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison.
The officers were released on $10,000 unsecured bonds after being arraigned Thursday, the Detroit News reports.
Another accomplice, Kevlin O. Brown, 45, and acquaintance of Hansberry, is also indicted on a count of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion.
Dezsi's civil lawsuit named Lt. Charles Flanagan, former head of the Narcotics Unit, Officer James Napier, Officer Novak and several unidentified John Does.
Napier, a married father of two, committed suicide while parked in front of his parents' Sterling Heights home on Jan. 22.
Dezsi is unclear why Detroit police were conducting a raid in Warren, but said other clients say Detroit police raided their suburban homes in Ferndale and Shelby Township.
The Davis' claim to have possessed legal amounts of marijuana under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act when Detroit police raided their Warren home Dec. 28, 2013.
The lawsuit says the officers, for two hours, "extensively tore apart" the house and, without ever presenting a search warrant or a receipt of seized property, took 50 marijuana plants and byproducts.
Police then took Timothy Davis to a seemingly abandoned building in Detroit and questioned him for five hours, the lawsuit says.
He was eventually released and never charged with crimes or presented with any paperwork related to the raid.
Dezsi has other clients from the medical marijuana community with similar claims.
"What I've heard generally is it's been about six officers that have come in the house," he said. "Some of (my clients) are afraid to come forward, and some of them were intimidated, naturally so ... but given the indictment, I think that is going to change -- now that people see that the FBI is investigating."
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/i...roit_cops_accused.html#incart_related_stories
DETROIT, MI -- Two veteran Detroit police officers are accused of robbing suspects of property, cash and drugs, including more than five kilos of cocaine they intended to sell, U.S. Attorney Babara L. McQuade's office says.
These are the first formal criminal charges announced by the federal government, but a class-action civil lawsuit was filed against multiple Detroit police and the Department alleging similar activity in February.
Detroit-based attorney Michael R. Dezsi represents Timothy and Hatema Davis, a Warren couple who claim Detroit police raided their legal medical marijuana operation in late 2013.
Since filing the civil lawsuit in federal court, Deszi says he's heard from a dozen people claiming they encountered the "same situation."
"Obviously, this problem was much more pervasive," Dezsi said Thursday. "I believe this indictment was just the tip of the iceberg ... Certainly it wasn't limited to these two guys."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who disbanded the Narcotics Unit the indicted officers belonged to last year, called it a "somber day" and the allegations "deeply troubling."
Craig said the "vast majority" of Detroit police are "honest," "hardworking" and "honor the badge."
"We should remember that alleged criminal conduct by a few should never paint a picture that the entire police department is corrupt," Craig said. "The Detroit Police Department remains committed to the highest standards of integrity.
"All misconduct will continue to be promptly investigated and we will remove any officers who do not live up to those standards and that tarnish the badge."
Craig referred to the suspects, Detroit Police Lt. David Hansberry, nicknamed "Hater," and Officer Bryan Watson, nicknamed "bullet," as "former" officers.
He later said they have been on paid administrative leave since October -- several months after Craig disbanded the Narcotics Unit -- and placed on unpaid leave when the indictment was unsealed Thursday.
Hansberry had been on the force for 16 years and Wilson for 20-plus-years, said Craig.
The indictment came following a closed grand jury hearing, the criminal complaint says, and involves "others known and unknown" participants.
Craig said about four other officers were suspended and placed on paid leave in October along with Hansberry and Watson.
"Once there is a shift, if there are criminal allegations, and it moves into a charging situation, then the status moves into no pay," Craig said.
He wouldn't reveal if he expects more indictments or exactly when the federal probe began.
The department increased oversight -- drug operations are now under the umbrella of the Major Crimes Unit -- and is limiting the number of years an officer may remain in drug enforcement to discourage corruption, Craig said.
The chief spoke to media for about 10 minutes before being told he had to leave for another meeting by Detroit Police Media Relations Director June West.
According to the indictment, the officers, while in uniform and driving police vehicles, set up drug deals via informants. They would then engage in fake traffic stops or arrests.
" ... They would divide amongst themselves the money, property and controlled substances obtained from their victims and would sell the controlled substances in order to split the proceeds ... " the indictment says.
The alleged crimes took place over a period of more than four years, between June 2010 and October 2014.
Hansberry, who was promoted to lieutenant in November 2013, and Watson, were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion, possession with intent to deliver five or more kilograms of cocaine and two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking.
The conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, more than five kilos of cocaine, carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison.
The officers were released on $10,000 unsecured bonds after being arraigned Thursday, the Detroit News reports.
Another accomplice, Kevlin O. Brown, 45, and acquaintance of Hansberry, is also indicted on a count of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion.
Dezsi's civil lawsuit named Lt. Charles Flanagan, former head of the Narcotics Unit, Officer James Napier, Officer Novak and several unidentified John Does.
Napier, a married father of two, committed suicide while parked in front of his parents' Sterling Heights home on Jan. 22.
Dezsi is unclear why Detroit police were conducting a raid in Warren, but said other clients say Detroit police raided their suburban homes in Ferndale and Shelby Township.
The Davis' claim to have possessed legal amounts of marijuana under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act when Detroit police raided their Warren home Dec. 28, 2013.
The lawsuit says the officers, for two hours, "extensively tore apart" the house and, without ever presenting a search warrant or a receipt of seized property, took 50 marijuana plants and byproducts.
Police then took Timothy Davis to a seemingly abandoned building in Detroit and questioned him for five hours, the lawsuit says.
He was eventually released and never charged with crimes or presented with any paperwork related to the raid.
Dezsi has other clients from the medical marijuana community with similar claims.
"What I've heard generally is it's been about six officers that have come in the house," he said. "Some of (my clients) are afraid to come forward, and some of them were intimidated, naturally so ... but given the indictment, I think that is going to change -- now that people see that the FBI is investigating."
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/i...roit_cops_accused.html#incart_related_stories
oscar169
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Detroit narcotics officers accused of trafficking drugs
DETROIT, MI -- A federal investigation into Detroit Police Department Narcotics Unit corruption led to the indictment of three Detroit police officers who robbed and sold large quantities of drugs for years.
The federal complaint claims Detroit Police Lt. David Hansberry, 34, who joined the department in 2009 and was promoted to lieutenant of the Narcotics Unit in November 2013; Officer Bryan Watson, 46, and others not listed in the indictment, would arrange large drug deals and then "rob and extort" the participants.
The alleged crimes took place between June 2010 and October 2014.
Hansberry, nicknamed "Hater," and Watson, nicknamed "bullet," would carry out farce traffic stops and arrest to steal personal property drugs and cash, which was never logged into evidence.
They would divvy the loot, sell the drugs and split the proceeds, the complaint says.
They possessed heroin, marijuana and over five kilograms of cocaine that investigators believe they intended to sell.
Hansberry and Watson were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion, possession with intent to deliver five or more kilograms of cocaine and two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking.
Another suspect, Kevlin O. Brown, 45, and acquaintance of Hansberry, is also indicted on a count of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion.
The federal probe began sometime in the summer of 2014.
Detroit police wouldn't immediately comment but scheduled a press conference at 1:15 p.m. Thursday in the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters to answer questions.
"The city does not comment on pending litigation," West said in February when asked about the FBI investigation. "There is a federal investigation into a small group of members from the (former) Narcotics Unit."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig, after an internal investigation conducted last year announced possible wrongdoing in the Narcotics Unit and suspended at least four officers in November.
Craig disbanded the Narcotics Unit and folded narcotics enforcement into the Major Violations Unit.
"The city does not comment on pending litigation," Detroit Police Media Relations Director June West said in February. "There is a federal investigation into a small group of members from the (former) Narcotics Unit."
A civil lawsuit filed in federal court in February accused a group of rogue Detroit police officers, including Officer James Napier, who committed suicide in front of his parents' home in January, of conducting an illegal marijuana raid in Warren.
Although similar to the circumstances in the federal criminal indictment announced Tuesday, the Warren incident doesn't name any of the same officers, although there are multiple "John Does" listed.
Other cases of Detroit police on the opposite end of the law:
Feb. 20, 2015: Detroit Police Officer Christos Kyriakides, 62, charged with stealing a "Scarface movie collage."
Feb. 23, 2015: Detroit Police Officer Deloma Stone, 38, charged with being intoxicated while in possession of a firearm.
Nov. 18, 2014: Ex-Detroit Police Officer Deon Nunlee sentenced to a minimum of a years and seven months in prison for an on-duty sexual assault on Oct. 30, 2013.
Feb. 14, 2014: Ex-homicide detective William Rice sentenced to between 2 and 20 years in prison for fraud and dealing prescription pills.
Nov. 4, 2013: Officer Devon Payton charged with operating a chop shop
July 20, 2013: Detroit Police Sgt. David A. Pomeroy, while off duty, was charged with assaulting and robbing mes suspected of stealing a cell phone owned by the daughter of a St. Clair Shores police officer. Pomeroy pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment and is scheduled to be sentenced May 27.
March 28, 2013: Officer Clifton Whatley charged with string of robberies
May 8, 2012: Officer Mashariki Jackson accused of illegally using police database to look up information on citizen for personal use
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/i...cotics_officers_acc.html#incart_story_package
DETROIT, MI -- A federal investigation into Detroit Police Department Narcotics Unit corruption led to the indictment of three Detroit police officers who robbed and sold large quantities of drugs for years.
The federal complaint claims Detroit Police Lt. David Hansberry, 34, who joined the department in 2009 and was promoted to lieutenant of the Narcotics Unit in November 2013; Officer Bryan Watson, 46, and others not listed in the indictment, would arrange large drug deals and then "rob and extort" the participants.
The alleged crimes took place between June 2010 and October 2014.
Hansberry, nicknamed "Hater," and Watson, nicknamed "bullet," would carry out farce traffic stops and arrest to steal personal property drugs and cash, which was never logged into evidence.
They would divvy the loot, sell the drugs and split the proceeds, the complaint says.
They possessed heroin, marijuana and over five kilograms of cocaine that investigators believe they intended to sell.
Hansberry and Watson were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion, possession with intent to deliver five or more kilograms of cocaine and two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking.
Another suspect, Kevlin O. Brown, 45, and acquaintance of Hansberry, is also indicted on a count of interference with commerce by robbery and extortion.
The federal probe began sometime in the summer of 2014.
Detroit police wouldn't immediately comment but scheduled a press conference at 1:15 p.m. Thursday in the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters to answer questions.
"The city does not comment on pending litigation," West said in February when asked about the FBI investigation. "There is a federal investigation into a small group of members from the (former) Narcotics Unit."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig, after an internal investigation conducted last year announced possible wrongdoing in the Narcotics Unit and suspended at least four officers in November.
Craig disbanded the Narcotics Unit and folded narcotics enforcement into the Major Violations Unit.
"The city does not comment on pending litigation," Detroit Police Media Relations Director June West said in February. "There is a federal investigation into a small group of members from the (former) Narcotics Unit."
A civil lawsuit filed in federal court in February accused a group of rogue Detroit police officers, including Officer James Napier, who committed suicide in front of his parents' home in January, of conducting an illegal marijuana raid in Warren.
Although similar to the circumstances in the federal criminal indictment announced Tuesday, the Warren incident doesn't name any of the same officers, although there are multiple "John Does" listed.
Other cases of Detroit police on the opposite end of the law:
Feb. 20, 2015: Detroit Police Officer Christos Kyriakides, 62, charged with stealing a "Scarface movie collage."
Feb. 23, 2015: Detroit Police Officer Deloma Stone, 38, charged with being intoxicated while in possession of a firearm.
Nov. 18, 2014: Ex-Detroit Police Officer Deon Nunlee sentenced to a minimum of a years and seven months in prison for an on-duty sexual assault on Oct. 30, 2013.
Feb. 14, 2014: Ex-homicide detective William Rice sentenced to between 2 and 20 years in prison for fraud and dealing prescription pills.
Nov. 4, 2013: Officer Devon Payton charged with operating a chop shop
July 20, 2013: Detroit Police Sgt. David A. Pomeroy, while off duty, was charged with assaulting and robbing mes suspected of stealing a cell phone owned by the daughter of a St. Clair Shores police officer. Pomeroy pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment and is scheduled to be sentenced May 27.
March 28, 2013: Officer Clifton Whatley charged with string of robberies
May 8, 2012: Officer Mashariki Jackson accused of illegally using police database to look up information on citizen for personal use
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/i...cotics_officers_acc.html#incart_story_package
oscar169
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Rogue Detroit police 'terrorized' medical marijuana community, lawyer says
A previous version of this story incorrectly stated two officers were suspended with pay.
File Photo
DETROIT, MI -- A group of rogue Detroit police officers, including one who committed suicide in front of his parents' home last month, are accused in a federal civil lawsuit filed Wednesday of conducting illegal raids and seizures of medical marijuana businesses and users.
"This has been happening for quite some time," said Detroit-based attorney Michael R. Dezsi, who represents a couple claiming Detroit police raided their Warren home and stole 50 legal marijuana plants. "This particular segment of the police department has been terrorizing the community and terrorizing business owners ... and I'm not sure why it hasn't come to light ... "
Dezsi believes "fear of retaliation" is a large factor.
PDF: Detroit Narcotics Unit Lawsuit
Timothy and Hatema Davis of Warren claim on Dec. 28, 2013, six plain-clothes officers in masks with rifles drawn kicked in their front door, stormed into their home and handcuffed them.
Timothy Davis was a certified caretaker and Hatema Davis a legal patient under Michigan's voter-passed Medical Marijuana Act. They were allowed to have up to 72 plants in their home and were within the limit, Dezsi told MLive Thursday.
The lawsuit says the officers for two hours "extensively tore apart" the Davis' home and, without ever presenting a search warrant or a receipt of seized property, took 50 marijuana plants and byproducts.
Police then took Timothy Davis to a seemingly abandoned building in Detroit and questioned him for five hours, the lawsuit says.
He was eventually released and never charged with crimes or presented with any paperwork related to the raid.
It's not clear why the officers were conducting a raid outside the Detroit Police Department's jurisdiction in Warren, a city that borders Detroit's northern border.
"That's another mystery," Dezsi said. "We don't know why they were in Warren but it seems to surprise a lot of people.
"Your guess is as good as mine."
Dezsi said it's his understanding Warren police, he believes called by neighbors who believed the Davis' were being robbed, showed up at the scene but seemed uninvolved in the raid itself.
MLive Detroit has requested and is awaiting comment from the Warren Police Department.
"This has been going on quite some time and hasn't become common knowledge," Dezsi said. My clients told me, "We knew we were being robbed by the cops."
The lawsuit names Lt. Charles Flanagan, head of the since-disbanded Narcotics Unit, Officer James Napier, Officer Novak and several John Does, as well as the Detroit Police Department, which Dezsi claims did not adequately train or monitor the officers.
Napier, a married father of two, shot himself in the head while parked in front of his parents' Sterling Heights home on Jan. 22.
June West, the director of communications for the Detroit Police Department, said Novak and Flanagan have not been suspended.
"The city does not comment on pending litigation," West said. "There is a federal investigation into a small group of members from the (former) Narcotics Unit."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig, after an internal investigation revealed possible wrongdoing in the Narcotics Unit, suspended at least four officers, disbanded it and folded narcotics enforcement into the Major Violations Unit.
Dezsi says he expects to serve the city with the lawsuit this week and they'll file a response in federal court within a month.
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/i...it_police_terrorize.html#incart_story_package
A previous version of this story incorrectly stated two officers were suspended with pay.
File Photo DETROIT, MI -- A group of rogue Detroit police officers, including one who committed suicide in front of his parents' home last month, are accused in a federal civil lawsuit filed Wednesday of conducting illegal raids and seizures of medical marijuana businesses and users.
"This has been happening for quite some time," said Detroit-based attorney Michael R. Dezsi, who represents a couple claiming Detroit police raided their Warren home and stole 50 legal marijuana plants. "This particular segment of the police department has been terrorizing the community and terrorizing business owners ... and I'm not sure why it hasn't come to light ... "
Dezsi believes "fear of retaliation" is a large factor.
PDF: Detroit Narcotics Unit Lawsuit
Timothy and Hatema Davis of Warren claim on Dec. 28, 2013, six plain-clothes officers in masks with rifles drawn kicked in their front door, stormed into their home and handcuffed them.
Timothy Davis was a certified caretaker and Hatema Davis a legal patient under Michigan's voter-passed Medical Marijuana Act. They were allowed to have up to 72 plants in their home and were within the limit, Dezsi told MLive Thursday.
The lawsuit says the officers for two hours "extensively tore apart" the Davis' home and, without ever presenting a search warrant or a receipt of seized property, took 50 marijuana plants and byproducts.
Police then took Timothy Davis to a seemingly abandoned building in Detroit and questioned him for five hours, the lawsuit says.
He was eventually released and never charged with crimes or presented with any paperwork related to the raid.
It's not clear why the officers were conducting a raid outside the Detroit Police Department's jurisdiction in Warren, a city that borders Detroit's northern border.
"That's another mystery," Dezsi said. "We don't know why they were in Warren but it seems to surprise a lot of people.
"Your guess is as good as mine."
Dezsi said it's his understanding Warren police, he believes called by neighbors who believed the Davis' were being robbed, showed up at the scene but seemed uninvolved in the raid itself.
MLive Detroit has requested and is awaiting comment from the Warren Police Department.
"This has been going on quite some time and hasn't become common knowledge," Dezsi said. My clients told me, "We knew we were being robbed by the cops."
The lawsuit names Lt. Charles Flanagan, head of the since-disbanded Narcotics Unit, Officer James Napier, Officer Novak and several John Does, as well as the Detroit Police Department, which Dezsi claims did not adequately train or monitor the officers.
Napier, a married father of two, shot himself in the head while parked in front of his parents' Sterling Heights home on Jan. 22.
June West, the director of communications for the Detroit Police Department, said Novak and Flanagan have not been suspended.
"The city does not comment on pending litigation," West said. "There is a federal investigation into a small group of members from the (former) Narcotics Unit."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig, after an internal investigation revealed possible wrongdoing in the Narcotics Unit, suspended at least four officers, disbanded it and folded narcotics enforcement into the Major Violations Unit.
Dezsi says he expects to serve the city with the lawsuit this week and they'll file a response in federal court within a month.
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/i...it_police_terrorize.html#incart_story_package
oscar169
Farming 🌱
Supporter
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Partner of Detroit police officer who committed suicide in Sterling Heights speaks out
DETROIT, MI -- Detroit Police Sgt. Ahmed Haidar said he and 14-year veteran Detective James Napier were together conducting a raid to arrest a homicide suspect Monday.
Today Haidar's one-time partner is dead.
Sterling Heights police say Napier, while parked outside his parent's Sterling Heights home about 8:45 a.m. Thursday, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.
"He's one of the best police officers I ever saw, and a lot of people witll say the same thing," Haidar said Thursday evening.
Napier, a married father of two sons, worked as a detective in the 12th Precinct.
Haidar, who has also served 14 years with the Detroit Police Department, called Napier "a great guy, the life of the party," but also a tough police officer who cared and "took a lot of bad guys off the streets." The TV screen and computer monitor in Napier's office were plastered with sticky notes containing information about his ongoing investigations.
Haidar said reports stating Napier was under FBI scrutiny because of an ongoing investigation into wrongdoing in the since-reformed Narcotics Unit are unfair, "guilt by association" because Naider worked for the unit in the past.
"I believe he had something on his mind, something going on at home," Haidar said. "I don't believe he killed himself because he was under federal investigation."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig suspended four officer and restructured the unit last year when an internal investigation revealed wrongdoing. The department has not released details regarding the nature of the infractions.
The FBI has refused to discuss the ongoing investigation. No officers have been charged.
Haidar says his friend transferred before the restructuring.
Haidar and Naider enjoyed "regular guys stuff," tailgating for University of Michigan and Detroit Lions games and playing numerous rounds of golf, said Haidar.
"He was always upbeat, always happy, that's why this is so shocking," the fellow officer said. "He loved and always talked about his kids.
"It's surreal."
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/i...detroit_police_offi.html#incart_story_package
DETROIT, MI -- Detroit Police Sgt. Ahmed Haidar said he and 14-year veteran Detective James Napier were together conducting a raid to arrest a homicide suspect Monday.
Today Haidar's one-time partner is dead.
Sterling Heights police say Napier, while parked outside his parent's Sterling Heights home about 8:45 a.m. Thursday, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.
"He's one of the best police officers I ever saw, and a lot of people witll say the same thing," Haidar said Thursday evening.
Napier, a married father of two sons, worked as a detective in the 12th Precinct.
Haidar, who has also served 14 years with the Detroit Police Department, called Napier "a great guy, the life of the party," but also a tough police officer who cared and "took a lot of bad guys off the streets." The TV screen and computer monitor in Napier's office were plastered with sticky notes containing information about his ongoing investigations.
Haidar said reports stating Napier was under FBI scrutiny because of an ongoing investigation into wrongdoing in the since-reformed Narcotics Unit are unfair, "guilt by association" because Naider worked for the unit in the past.
"I believe he had something on his mind, something going on at home," Haidar said. "I don't believe he killed himself because he was under federal investigation."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig suspended four officer and restructured the unit last year when an internal investigation revealed wrongdoing. The department has not released details regarding the nature of the infractions.
The FBI has refused to discuss the ongoing investigation. No officers have been charged.
Haidar says his friend transferred before the restructuring.
Haidar and Naider enjoyed "regular guys stuff," tailgating for University of Michigan and Detroit Lions games and playing numerous rounds of golf, said Haidar.
"He was always upbeat, always happy, that's why this is so shocking," the fellow officer said. "He loved and always talked about his kids.
"It's surreal."
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/i...detroit_police_offi.html#incart_story_package
oscar169
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GreenThumbBill
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Wow, what a depressing thread. I guess the gist here is fuck Michigan. Serious question, why would anybody want to work in the MI mmj industry if this kind of harassment is going on? You guys are getting treated like it's black market. If you are taking a black market risk why not get paid black market prices? For your own sake, pick a side (Black vs MMJ) and then move to either Cali or Jersey depending on which way you decide. Your heart and your wallet will thank you later. Good luck and stay safe!
LittleDabbie
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Michigan Man Charged With Shooting at Pot Thief in Green Bay
GREEN BAY-- A 22-year-old Michigan man is accused of firing two shots at a 19-year-old Green Bay man who tried to rob him during a drug deal.
Benjamin Hubbard of Menominee, Michigan, is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
The Green Bay man told police that he and a friend arranged to buy two ounces of marijuana from Hubbard with the intention of stealing it.
A criminal complaint says Hubbard pointed a gun at the man after his friend ran off with one of the bags. It says the man returned the second bag, but Hubbard fired twice at him as he drove off in his vehicle.
Hubbard is being held at Brown County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
It wasn't immediately known if he has an attorney.
And this is what guns and drugs gets ya...
GREEN BAY-- A 22-year-old Michigan man is accused of firing two shots at a 19-year-old Green Bay man who tried to rob him during a drug deal.
Benjamin Hubbard of Menominee, Michigan, is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
The Green Bay man told police that he and a friend arranged to buy two ounces of marijuana from Hubbard with the intention of stealing it.
A criminal complaint says Hubbard pointed a gun at the man after his friend ran off with one of the bags. It says the man returned the second bag, but Hubbard fired twice at him as he drove off in his vehicle.
Hubbard is being held at Brown County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
It wasn't immediately known if he has an attorney.
And this is what guns and drugs gets ya...
GreenThumbBill
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Boats n hoes is better :cool:
Motarebel
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What a couple of pansies, try to rip someone and then cry to the cops. More people need guns and this shit wouldn't happen. His mistake was firing warning shots instead of using them punks for fertilizer. When are peeps gonna learn to keep their hands off what doesn't belong to ya?
K
knucklehead bob
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Flint draws 'line in the sand,' cracks down on marijuana dispensaries
FLINT, MI -- Police Chief James Tolbert says the city has begun a crackdown on marijuana dispensaries, ordering multiple businesses to shut down because they are operating outside the law.
Tolbert said Tuesday, April 21, that police have begun visits to dispensaries after initial investigations showed many appeared to be operating with building code or licensing violations.
The police chief said "multiple" storefronts were ordered to shut down immediately and others were cited for code violations, but said the crackdown is ongoing. Tobert said he did not have more specific information immediately.
No arrests were made as of Tuesday afternoon, he said.
"We're drawing a line in the sand," Tolbert said. "They can't operate as provisioning centers or as a dispensary to patients" without meeting requirements of a new city ordinance that regulates the businesses.
Tolbert said the businesses have been made aware of the requirements to continue operating.
Danny Fuller, manager of Sweet Leaf medical marijuana dispensary, said police officers visited the store at 400 S. Dort Highway, asking questions regarding the shop's license.
Fuller said the two officers had a clipboard and appeared to be going around to the medical marijuana shops throughout the city.
Fuller said Sweet Leaf is in the process of obtaining a proper license and in the meantime has decided to stop distributing medical marijuana in order to stay in full compliance with the law.
Cassandra Krause, owner of Michigan Compassion Center at 1222 Glenwood Ave., said she had a similar interaction with police.
"I'm not concerned about being shut down," she said, adding that she has been working closely with the city on licensing and zoning ordinances. "They asked me to close to the public, and I can reopen after I'm in compliance."
Krause, too, is in the process of obtaining a proper license. She said she will continue to work with the city's planning and zoning department in order to stay compliant.
"The atmosphere does not seem very hostile," Krause said. "We just need to go through their process and keep going through these hoops."
The number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city has been on the verge of rocketing up thanks to the lifting of what was a three-year moratorium on the businesses while the city developed its new ordinance.
Several new dispensaries have been approved by the city Planning Commission since a new ordinance was approved last September, but many -- as well as locations that had been grandfathered -- still required background checking and building inspections earlier this year.
The new ordinance regulating the provisioning centers highly restrict where they can locate and under what conditions, but it hasn't stopped a rush of interest in what had been a closed market.
Flint's zoning administrator has spoken to more than 60 individuals in recent months, Director of Planning and Development Megan Hunter has said, hoping to eventually stake a claim to the limited spots available because of zoning restrictions.
The new ordinance mandates that dispensaries be more than 1,000 feet from any church, park, school or other dispensary.
In addition to eight locations that were grandfathered at the time of the moratorium on new dispensaries, six more have been approved by the Planning Commission and three rejected in recent months, according to city records requested by The Flint Journal under the Freedom of Information Act.
Tolbert said some dispensaries haven't waited to get the proper approvals before jumping into business.
The chief said police were checking on as many as 26 dispensaries that may have been operating or preparing to open.
"At some point, we had to draw a line," he said. "It's real simple. If you want to do this business, apply for the license and do everything" you need to in order to be in compliance.
Flint City Council members have said they were worried by the potential for an explosion in new provisioning centers opening under the new ordinance.
"The medical marijuana people are going to take over the hospital," said 2nd Ward Councilwoman Jackie Poplar. "They'll lay at home feeling good and they'll still be dying."
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/04/flint_draws_line_in_the_sand_c.html
FLINT, MI -- Police Chief James Tolbert says the city has begun a crackdown on marijuana dispensaries, ordering multiple businesses to shut down because they are operating outside the law.
Tolbert said Tuesday, April 21, that police have begun visits to dispensaries after initial investigations showed many appeared to be operating with building code or licensing violations.
The police chief said "multiple" storefronts were ordered to shut down immediately and others were cited for code violations, but said the crackdown is ongoing. Tobert said he did not have more specific information immediately.
No arrests were made as of Tuesday afternoon, he said.
"We're drawing a line in the sand," Tolbert said. "They can't operate as provisioning centers or as a dispensary to patients" without meeting requirements of a new city ordinance that regulates the businesses.
Tolbert said the businesses have been made aware of the requirements to continue operating.
Danny Fuller, manager of Sweet Leaf medical marijuana dispensary, said police officers visited the store at 400 S. Dort Highway, asking questions regarding the shop's license.
Fuller said the two officers had a clipboard and appeared to be going around to the medical marijuana shops throughout the city.
Fuller said Sweet Leaf is in the process of obtaining a proper license and in the meantime has decided to stop distributing medical marijuana in order to stay in full compliance with the law.
Cassandra Krause, owner of Michigan Compassion Center at 1222 Glenwood Ave., said she had a similar interaction with police.
"I'm not concerned about being shut down," she said, adding that she has been working closely with the city on licensing and zoning ordinances. "They asked me to close to the public, and I can reopen after I'm in compliance."
Krause, too, is in the process of obtaining a proper license. She said she will continue to work with the city's planning and zoning department in order to stay compliant.
"The atmosphere does not seem very hostile," Krause said. "We just need to go through their process and keep going through these hoops."
The number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city has been on the verge of rocketing up thanks to the lifting of what was a three-year moratorium on the businesses while the city developed its new ordinance.
Several new dispensaries have been approved by the city Planning Commission since a new ordinance was approved last September, but many -- as well as locations that had been grandfathered -- still required background checking and building inspections earlier this year.
The new ordinance regulating the provisioning centers highly restrict where they can locate and under what conditions, but it hasn't stopped a rush of interest in what had been a closed market.
Flint's zoning administrator has spoken to more than 60 individuals in recent months, Director of Planning and Development Megan Hunter has said, hoping to eventually stake a claim to the limited spots available because of zoning restrictions.
The new ordinance mandates that dispensaries be more than 1,000 feet from any church, park, school or other dispensary.
In addition to eight locations that were grandfathered at the time of the moratorium on new dispensaries, six more have been approved by the Planning Commission and three rejected in recent months, according to city records requested by The Flint Journal under the Freedom of Information Act.
Tolbert said some dispensaries haven't waited to get the proper approvals before jumping into business.
The chief said police were checking on as many as 26 dispensaries that may have been operating or preparing to open.
"At some point, we had to draw a line," he said. "It's real simple. If you want to do this business, apply for the license and do everything" you need to in order to be in compliance.
Flint City Council members have said they were worried by the potential for an explosion in new provisioning centers opening under the new ordinance.
"The medical marijuana people are going to take over the hospital," said 2nd Ward Councilwoman Jackie Poplar. "They'll lay at home feeling good and they'll still be dying."
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/04/flint_draws_line_in_the_sand_c.html
john martin
- 521
- 93
What an ignorant statement:
"They'll lay at home feeling good and they'll still be dying."
How about they leave edibles and concentrates alone so people feel and heal good.
"They'll lay at home feeling good and they'll still be dying."
How about they leave edibles and concentrates alone so people feel and heal good.
oscar169
Farming 🌱
Supporter
- 2,729
- 263
Medical marijuana battle: Father fights for custody of son
VIDEO>>> http://fox17online.com/2015/04/23/f...r-felony-charge-for-smear-of-butane-hash-oil/
OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. – Medical marijuana is a controversial, sometimes sticky issue, especially in Michigan.
Max Lorincz is a father from Spring Lake who is fighting for his right to use medical marijuana, and get his son back. He’s a card-carrying patient, but was charged with a felony, after a single smear of oil was found in his home.
After Lorincz’s probable cause hearing has left him waiting for a decision from a judge.
Since seeing FOX 17’s coverage of Lorincz’s case back in February, Defense Attorney and President of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association Michael Komorn took on Lorincz’s case pro-bono. For the last six years, Komorn said he’s dedicated his practice exclusively to medical marijuana patient and caregiver representation.
Komorn called Lorincz’s case “scandalous,” and said a major problem here is law enforcement dealing with a public health issue.
Like many card-carrying medical marijuana patients across the state, Lorincz is caught between his doctor’s orders and a judge.
“When I follow my doctor`s recommendations that`s when my health started to get better; going back and following what the judge is saying, my health is just deteriorating ever since,” said Lorincz. “So it`s a scary road I`m going down, but I have to comply with what they`re asking and I just don`t know what else to do.”
But his case has come with some devastating consequences. In February Lorincz was charged with a two-year felony: possession of a schedule 1, controlled, synthetic substance. Schedule 1 is defined as a controlled substance that has no medical use.
Now his five-year-old son is taken away, and he is left with only supervised visits. All of this because Lorincz called 911 in September for a family medical emergency. The deputy who responded to the call found a smear of butane hash oil in his home. It’s a substance Lorincz ingests for what he called “deep pain relief,” and is something he obtained with his medical marijuana card.
“I’m outraged by it, it shouldn’t have happened,” said Komorn.
Komorn said medical marijuana is not a controlled substance. In fact, Michigan law states marijuana is a schedule 2 drug. Yet because Lorincz is charged with having a schedule 1 drug, and not specifically marijuana, Komorn said it is difficult to protect Lorincz under section 8 immunity of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act.
Komorn believed part of the issue is a recent policy change in Michigan State Police Lab reporting.
“They had a policy change by why?” asked Komorn. “The policy changed. The motivation for it was if they report it this way, people like Max won’t be able to claim a medical marijuana defense.”
The lab technician in Lorincz’s case testified that he has been testing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, for 25 years. THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, also present in synthetics. However, a recent policy change means the technicians have to write “origin unknown” when testing this type of THC on lab reports. The technician said he could not tell if the sample was synthetic or natural.
The prosecution argued Lorincz’s residue was not “usable marijuana,” as defined in the previous court case, People versus Carruthers; therefore, Lorincz should be bound over for trial. However, Komorn argued that a hash extraction comes directly from the resin of the plant.
Komorn said this lab policy change is the difference between a felony and no charge at all for Lorincz, stating he should be protected under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. Komorn asked the judge to dismiss it.
“(The lab technician) admitted that on the stand,” said Komorn. “That is very, very, very disturbing to me, because it means that the politics in the law are affecting the truth. That’s not how it’s supposed to be. We’re supposed to rely on science to make the case.”
For now Lorincz said he is following court’s orders and is back to taking what he calls debilitating prescription pain-killers.
He is fighting to get his son back, and then to use the medicine he says works best, without having to smoke it.
“If nobody stands up for this and it just keeps going the way it is, how many more people are going to get thrown under the bus just for using their prescribed medicine?” asked Lorincz. “It`s just ridiculous.”
Stay with FOX 17 on this case for the outcome. Meanwhile, pending legislation that would re-write the medical marijuana laws have been introduced in Lansing.
Watch Lorincz’s story Thursday at 10 p.m. on FOX 17 News.
VIDEO>>> http://fox17online.com/2015/04/23/f...r-felony-charge-for-smear-of-butane-hash-oil/
OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. – Medical marijuana is a controversial, sometimes sticky issue, especially in Michigan.
Max Lorincz is a father from Spring Lake who is fighting for his right to use medical marijuana, and get his son back. He’s a card-carrying patient, but was charged with a felony, after a single smear of oil was found in his home.
After Lorincz’s probable cause hearing has left him waiting for a decision from a judge.
Since seeing FOX 17’s coverage of Lorincz’s case back in February, Defense Attorney and President of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association Michael Komorn took on Lorincz’s case pro-bono. For the last six years, Komorn said he’s dedicated his practice exclusively to medical marijuana patient and caregiver representation.
Komorn called Lorincz’s case “scandalous,” and said a major problem here is law enforcement dealing with a public health issue.
Like many card-carrying medical marijuana patients across the state, Lorincz is caught between his doctor’s orders and a judge.
“When I follow my doctor`s recommendations that`s when my health started to get better; going back and following what the judge is saying, my health is just deteriorating ever since,” said Lorincz. “So it`s a scary road I`m going down, but I have to comply with what they`re asking and I just don`t know what else to do.”
But his case has come with some devastating consequences. In February Lorincz was charged with a two-year felony: possession of a schedule 1, controlled, synthetic substance. Schedule 1 is defined as a controlled substance that has no medical use.
Now his five-year-old son is taken away, and he is left with only supervised visits. All of this because Lorincz called 911 in September for a family medical emergency. The deputy who responded to the call found a smear of butane hash oil in his home. It’s a substance Lorincz ingests for what he called “deep pain relief,” and is something he obtained with his medical marijuana card.
“I’m outraged by it, it shouldn’t have happened,” said Komorn.
Komorn said medical marijuana is not a controlled substance. In fact, Michigan law states marijuana is a schedule 2 drug. Yet because Lorincz is charged with having a schedule 1 drug, and not specifically marijuana, Komorn said it is difficult to protect Lorincz under section 8 immunity of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act.
Komorn believed part of the issue is a recent policy change in Michigan State Police Lab reporting.
“They had a policy change by why?” asked Komorn. “The policy changed. The motivation for it was if they report it this way, people like Max won’t be able to claim a medical marijuana defense.”
The lab technician in Lorincz’s case testified that he has been testing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, for 25 years. THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, also present in synthetics. However, a recent policy change means the technicians have to write “origin unknown” when testing this type of THC on lab reports. The technician said he could not tell if the sample was synthetic or natural.
The prosecution argued Lorincz’s residue was not “usable marijuana,” as defined in the previous court case, People versus Carruthers; therefore, Lorincz should be bound over for trial. However, Komorn argued that a hash extraction comes directly from the resin of the plant.
Komorn said this lab policy change is the difference between a felony and no charge at all for Lorincz, stating he should be protected under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. Komorn asked the judge to dismiss it.
“(The lab technician) admitted that on the stand,” said Komorn. “That is very, very, very disturbing to me, because it means that the politics in the law are affecting the truth. That’s not how it’s supposed to be. We’re supposed to rely on science to make the case.”
For now Lorincz said he is following court’s orders and is back to taking what he calls debilitating prescription pain-killers.
He is fighting to get his son back, and then to use the medicine he says works best, without having to smoke it.
“If nobody stands up for this and it just keeps going the way it is, how many more people are going to get thrown under the bus just for using their prescribed medicine?” asked Lorincz. “It`s just ridiculous.”
Stay with FOX 17 on this case for the outcome. Meanwhile, pending legislation that would re-write the medical marijuana laws have been introduced in Lansing.
Watch Lorincz’s story Thursday at 10 p.m. on FOX 17 News.
LittleDabbie
Supporter
- 11,813
- 438
Man arrested for robbing medical marijuana caregiver in Kalamazoo County
COOPER TOWNSHIP, MI — On Thursday, police arrested a man who they say robbed a medical marijuana caregiver at gunpoint five months ago in Kalamazoo County.
On Nov. 29, 2014, the Michigan State Police responded to a victim advising police he'd been robbed at his home inCooper Township, a news release issued by the Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post said.
Upon arrival, the victim, who is "a medical marijuana card holder, patient and caregiver," told police an acquaintance, accompanied by another man, showed up at his home, according to the release.
"The unknown male subject pulled out a hand gun and demanded the victim turn over his marijuana," the release said, adding the man fled the scene on foot.
Troopers were able to trace the man to his home, where they executed a search warrant and recovered evidence of the robbery. "The suspect ultimately made admissions to the crime," the release added.
The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office authorized a two-count felony warrant for armed robbery in connection with the incident, and on Thursday, police arrested the man and lodged him at the Kalamazoo County Jail.
His name is being withheld pending arraignment.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/04/man_arrested_after_robbing_med.html
COOPER TOWNSHIP, MI — On Thursday, police arrested a man who they say robbed a medical marijuana caregiver at gunpoint five months ago in Kalamazoo County.
On Nov. 29, 2014, the Michigan State Police responded to a victim advising police he'd been robbed at his home inCooper Township, a news release issued by the Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post said.
Upon arrival, the victim, who is "a medical marijuana card holder, patient and caregiver," told police an acquaintance, accompanied by another man, showed up at his home, according to the release.
"The unknown male subject pulled out a hand gun and demanded the victim turn over his marijuana," the release said, adding the man fled the scene on foot.
Troopers were able to trace the man to his home, where they executed a search warrant and recovered evidence of the robbery. "The suspect ultimately made admissions to the crime," the release added.
The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office authorized a two-count felony warrant for armed robbery in connection with the incident, and on Thursday, police arrested the man and lodged him at the Kalamazoo County Jail.
His name is being withheld pending arraignment.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/04/man_arrested_after_robbing_med.html
LittleDabbie
Supporter
- 11,813
- 438
Michigan legislature has opportunity to make medical marijuana safe for patients
Michigan's Legislature has an opportunity to finally establish a framework for safely, securely and responsibly ensuring that patients get access to medical marijuana.
By taking action now, the Legislature will help fix a 7-year-old problem that has denied patients the care they need and the relief they deserve.
In 2008, nearly two out of every three Michigan voters supported a ballot proposal allowing patients to get access to medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation.
Since 2008, Michigan's voter-approved law has been mired in confusion. Different communities have adopted different rules. The basic infrastructure of the law was undermined by court rulings. Patients had few options for places to get their medicines. Non-smokable forms of marijuana, like oils, remain illegal. Children who could get relief from medical marijuana are especially burdened.
Clarity and certainty are long overdue for the Michigan patients who have struggled for years to get the medicine that can improve their health and quality of life.
As the Legislature jumpstarts this important debate, here are five critical concepts to ensure patients get safe products, bad actors are kept out of this fledgling industry and medical marijuana doesn't wind up in the wrong hands.
• Medical marijuana should be available only to patients with a doctor's recommendation. We must pass tough laws so kids don't get their hands on marijuana for illegal recreational use. With tough standards, a strong regulatory framework and clear guidelines so the private sector can operate with certainty, we can prevent shady businesses and criminal elements from endangering patients and the public.
• Strong accountability is critical to ensuring patient and product safety is a top priority. Accountability and transparency can foster product safety and rigorous product testing. The end result: safer products for tens of thousands of patients suffering from cancer, Parkinson's, Crohn's, glaucoma and other painful, debilitating diseases.
• Common-sense step-by-step safeguards should be implemented. These include background checks for those working in the medical marijuana industry; licensing of facilities and training for those in the industry; regular inspections by law enforcement and regulators; and cash-only transactions to prevent an individual or business from exerting undue influence that could ultimately endanger patients and the public.
• Businesses involved in different phases of medical marijuana should be separated into distinct "tiers." These tiers are producers or growers, testing facilities, distribution businesses, and retailers or sellers. Michigan is already home to other successful industries that have independent, separate tiers and we should emulate their successes and best practices.
• Tracking products at every stage can boost patient and product safety. Medical marijuana products should be tracked from the production phase to testing to distribution to sales.
These concepts provide a responsible blueprint for how Michigan can build a medical marijuana industry safely and responsibly. In addition to providing patients' relief, a responsible medical marijuana framework can also promote business development, encourage local job growth and generate tens of millions in tax revenues for our state that can support many services, from roads to schools. A clear set of rules can drive real competition and innovation, and help all businesses in the sector compete.
Recently introduced legislation represents an important first step in this discussion. Sen. Rick Jones and state Reps. Mike Callton and Klint Kesto are spearheading some important proposals and deserve to be recognized for their leadership. The entire Legislature should end years of delay and confusion, and take action so patients can get their medicine in a safe, secure and responsible way.
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2015/04/michigan_legislature_has_oppor.html
Michigan's Legislature has an opportunity to finally establish a framework for safely, securely and responsibly ensuring that patients get access to medical marijuana.
By taking action now, the Legislature will help fix a 7-year-old problem that has denied patients the care they need and the relief they deserve.
In 2008, nearly two out of every three Michigan voters supported a ballot proposal allowing patients to get access to medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation.
Since 2008, Michigan's voter-approved law has been mired in confusion. Different communities have adopted different rules. The basic infrastructure of the law was undermined by court rulings. Patients had few options for places to get their medicines. Non-smokable forms of marijuana, like oils, remain illegal. Children who could get relief from medical marijuana are especially burdened.
Clarity and certainty are long overdue for the Michigan patients who have struggled for years to get the medicine that can improve their health and quality of life.
As the Legislature jumpstarts this important debate, here are five critical concepts to ensure patients get safe products, bad actors are kept out of this fledgling industry and medical marijuana doesn't wind up in the wrong hands.
• Medical marijuana should be available only to patients with a doctor's recommendation. We must pass tough laws so kids don't get their hands on marijuana for illegal recreational use. With tough standards, a strong regulatory framework and clear guidelines so the private sector can operate with certainty, we can prevent shady businesses and criminal elements from endangering patients and the public.
• Strong accountability is critical to ensuring patient and product safety is a top priority. Accountability and transparency can foster product safety and rigorous product testing. The end result: safer products for tens of thousands of patients suffering from cancer, Parkinson's, Crohn's, glaucoma and other painful, debilitating diseases.
• Common-sense step-by-step safeguards should be implemented. These include background checks for those working in the medical marijuana industry; licensing of facilities and training for those in the industry; regular inspections by law enforcement and regulators; and cash-only transactions to prevent an individual or business from exerting undue influence that could ultimately endanger patients and the public.
• Businesses involved in different phases of medical marijuana should be separated into distinct "tiers." These tiers are producers or growers, testing facilities, distribution businesses, and retailers or sellers. Michigan is already home to other successful industries that have independent, separate tiers and we should emulate their successes and best practices.
• Tracking products at every stage can boost patient and product safety. Medical marijuana products should be tracked from the production phase to testing to distribution to sales.
These concepts provide a responsible blueprint for how Michigan can build a medical marijuana industry safely and responsibly. In addition to providing patients' relief, a responsible medical marijuana framework can also promote business development, encourage local job growth and generate tens of millions in tax revenues for our state that can support many services, from roads to schools. A clear set of rules can drive real competition and innovation, and help all businesses in the sector compete.
Recently introduced legislation represents an important first step in this discussion. Sen. Rick Jones and state Reps. Mike Callton and Klint Kesto are spearheading some important proposals and deserve to be recognized for their leadership. The entire Legislature should end years of delay and confusion, and take action so patients can get their medicine in a safe, secure and responsible way.
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2015/04/michigan_legislature_has_oppor.html
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