The War on Medical Marijuana in MI Super Thread, NEWS,BUST,LAWS <<<<Updated Often>>>>

[LittleDabbie]

City Vs. County: Marijuana Wars, Or Forsyth’s Folly

Prosecutors are people, too, but when the concept of not-in-my-back-yard is taken to the extreme these elected officials can overstep their bounds.

Grand Rapids is in Kent County, Michigan, and the city residents voted in 2012 to decriminalize marijuana possession and use. Although city officials were not in favor of allowing the petition drive, once the people had spoken the city responded.

Grand Rapids adopted the policy of citing citizens who carry up to two and one-half ounces with a civil infraction ticket. That amount mirrors the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act’s possession limit for patients. Citypolice were instructed to follow the charter amendment and issue tickets for pot possession instead of making misdemeanor arrests. The policy began on May 1, 2013, and enjoyed a smooth transition into standard operating procedure.

During the new law’s first 83 days, a total of 244 tickets were issued for possession or use. During the same period in 2012, before the new policy, 259 people were arrested and charged for misdemeanor marijuana possession. The city’s court system reported a reduction of four case PER DAY as a result of the new policy.

It’s a system that works for all parties concerned, and one that was modeled after the example set by Ann Arbor. Voters there modified the city charter in the 1970-s to decriminalize marijuana, and that law is still in place and keeping the city safe to this day.

Enter Kent County Prosecutor Bill Forsyth.

Forsyth and Kent County has sued Grand Rapids to halt the decriminalization policy, claiming that the city can’t vary from state law regarding marijuana. The case was defeated in a lower court but was appealed;arguments were heard in the Court of Appeals in November. A decision is expected in the first half of 2015.

Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, behind only Detroit in population. As such it is a very urban island amid the conservative waters of greater Kent County and the majority of the state’s Lake Michigan shoreline.

“I don’t think this case is about voters’ rights,” Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Tim McMorrow told the MLive Media Group. Then he said: ”The voters do not have a right to adopt anything they want… something doesn’t become valid because the voters voted for it.” The doublespeak is heavy here- the voters don’t have the right to do something but it’s not about voter’s rights. Clear as mud.

Forsyth’s intent is clear- stop cities under his jurisdiction from creating policies the County doesn’t agree with. In reality, if Grand Rapids were violating the state constitution it would be the Attorney General suing to halt the policy. Ann Arbor’s Washtenaw County has had more than a dozen prosecutors come and go during the era of their decriminalized marijuana policy and none of them felt it was their job to try and sink the city’s policy- or perhaps they all realized that they had no standing or cause to do such a thing.

Ann Arbor isn’t the only example Forsyth can rely upon for guidance in this case. 22 times within the last decade, ballot proposals liberalizing marijuana laws have been passed by voters in Michigan cities (see graphic above). Most of those ordinances were created despite the objections of the Governor and Attorney General; both offices openly admit they have no authority to interfere with elections law.

Apparently Prosecutor Forsyth thinks his authority exceeds that of the Governor. Both sides agree that the issue will not end with the Court of Appeals decision- it will be taken to the state Supreme Court. Since both the County and the City are litigants that derive their resources from tax revenue, the voters will be picking up the tab for Forsyth’s Folly at both ends of the argument and at every step of the way.

http://www.theweedblog.com/city-vs-county-marijuana-wars-or-forsyths-folly/

 

[LittleDabbie]

Michigan close to drug testing welfare recipients


LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A plan to issue drug tests to welfare recipients suspected of substance abuse is nearing final approval in the Michigan Legislature.

The state House voted 74-35 Wednesday for legislation that would establish a one-year pilot program in three or more counties.

Welfare recipients under suspicion who refuse to take a drug test would lose cash assistance for at least six months. Recipients who test positive the first time would be offered treatment while still receiving benefits. Repeat offenders would be kicked out of the program.

Majority Republicans say taxpayers want to help those in need but not if they’re abusing drugs.

Many Democrats say giving welfare recipients just one chance to fail doesn’t recognize the realities of drug addiction. They say they also worry recipients’ kids could lose benefits, too.

 

[LittleDabbie]

Corrections officer gets probation for marijuana butter

Grand Rapids, MI (WZZM) - A former corrections officer at the Kent County Jail says he didn't know possessing and distributing pounds of marijuana butter was against the law.

"I didn't think I was doing anything wrong," former officer Brian Tennant said Thursday before he was sentenced in Kent County Circuit Court.

Tennant. 45, says he only gave the butter to his wife and three other corrections officers and they all have medical marijuana patient cards.

"Your Honor, I believed I was operating within the law," Tennant told Kent County Circuit Judge Dennis Leiber.

But Judge Lieber sentenced Tennant to 5 years probation and ordered him to pay a $10,000 fine.

Tennant does not have a medical marijuana card and is not a patient caregiver.

And even if he was, edible marijuana products like butter are not permitted under the law.

As a corrections officer, Judge Lieber said Tennant should know that.

"As a criminal justice major from Michigan State University and a sworn law officer would impose on you the responsibility of knowing what the law is and it's requirements," lectured the judge.

Tennant was one of 4 county corrections officers arrested after police traced a shipment of marijuana butter to the Belmont home of caregivers Alyssa and Timothy Scherzer. The Scherzers supplied the officers.

Sgt. Timothy Bernhardt also pled guilty to misdemeanor charges, but died last month before he was sentenced.

Officers Todd VanDoorne and Michael Frederick are still waiting for trial.

 

[Prime C]

Apparently Prosecutor Forsyth thinks his authority exceeds that of the Governor. Both sides agree that the issue will not end with the Court of Appeals decision- it will be taken to the state Supreme Court. Since both the County and the City are litigants that derive their resources from tax revenue, the voters will be picking up the tab for Forsyth’s Folly at both ends of the argument and at every step of the way.

What a douche bag!

 

[Prime C]

http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/20798

Man Who Speaks Out About Police Seizing His Property Without Charges is Arrested Hours Later
By ANNE SCHIEBER | Dec. 6, 2014

Kowalski
A man featured in a Dec. 3 Michigan Capitol Confidential story for being a medical marijuana user and having his property seized and money taken by police without being charged with a crime was arrested at 2 a.m. the next morning by the Michigan State Police within a day after the story was published.

Wally Kowalski says he was woken Wednesday to find the police at his door with a felony warrant. He was handcuffed and brought to the Van Buren County Jail where he spent the night in a cold cell without a pillow or blanket. He was arraigned in the morning and released after posting $1,000 on a $10,000 bond.

The police charged Kowalski with delivery and manufacture of 5 to 45 kilograms of marijuana, between 20 and 200 plants, a 7-year felony and/or carrying up to a $500,000 fine. He was also charged with distribution without remuneration, a misdemeanor.

Kowalski carries a medical marijuana card for himself and says he is the caregiver for four other valid cardholders. When police searched his house on Sept. 2, they could not find two caregiver cards. Kowalski says he lost the cards but did get replacements days later and turned them over to the police.

Under Michigan’s medical marijuana law, he is legally allowed to grow 12 plants per person. According to the seizure order, police found 55 plants.

When Kowalski asked if his arrest has anything to do with the report, he said police told him they have never heard of the publication.

“Originally, the detective on the case told me he would call me if they issued an arrest warrant so I could submit voluntarily. I can’t see the necessity of arresting me in the middle of the night,” Kowalski said.

His attorney, Daniel Grow thought the overnight arrest was unusual, as well.

“On these kinds of charges, I get most of my clients in during the day when the courts are opened and they can avoid a night’s stay in jail,” Grow said.

The commander of the Southwest Enforcement Team, Lieutenant Wayne Eddington, did not return a call for comment.

Michigan Capitol Confidential began inquiring about civil asset forfeitures on Nov. 7. Eddington did return a phone call and spoke about forfeitures in general terms but was not asked about specific cases. On Nov. 21, Michigan Capitol Confidential called the Van Buren County Clerk for a copy of Kowalski’s petition for seizure order. On Nov. 24-26, Michigan Capitol Confidential left messages for Special Prosecutor Cory Johnson, Eddington and the media representative at the Michigan State Police about discussing specific cases. None of the calls were returned. On Nov. 24, police got the arrest warrant on Kowalski. Three days later, they released the hold on his bank accounts. He was arrested Dec. 4. Kowalski is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 15 and Dec. 17.

Here is the video of the Kowalski case:

 

[Prime C]

http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/12/ypsilanti_township_could_begin.html#comments

Ypsilanti Township looks to begin 'padlocking' drug houses by the year's end

The Washtenaw County Sherif's Office recently raided a home on Glengrove following reports of drug use. (Tom Perkins | For The Ann Arbor News)
Print

By Tom Perkins | Special to The Ann Arbor News
on December 06, 2014 at 5:30 AM, updated December 06, 2014 at 5:34 AM

Ypsilanti Township is continuing to spearhead an effort to change state law so that local municipalities can padlock homes where two drug busts occur.

On Tuesday, officials from Ypsilanti Township, Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie met with several state representatives over the need for quick passage of the "padlock law."

A bill proposing granting municipalities the authority to lock homes could be before the State House of Representatives soon and officials learned that a similar bill that expands the list of offenses to include dog fighting, prostitution, human trafficking and gun violence is set for a vote in the Senate.

The township, police officials and lobbyist Kurt Profit are pushing for both bills or a combination of the two to be passed before the end of the current legislative session next week.

Already the township is sending letters to property owners where one drug bust has occurred to inform them that their homes could be padlocked for a year if a second bust occurs at the address.

Township Attorney Doug Winters said the group summarized for lawmakers the township's blight remediation efforts and stressed that the padlock law would serve as another neighborhood stabilization tool.

"We get people who are arrested, jailed and the property owner doesn't change their behavior, then rents the house to someone else who is a drug dealer," Winters said. "We are confident property owners will cooperate just based on the response to the letters that have been sent."

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office executed around 60 search warrants related to drugs in the township as of late September, and the law goes hand-in-hand with a proposed ordinance that would allow the township to charge property owners or drug dealers for the cost of executing a drug raid.

The township would have 30 days from the date of a second raid to ask a Washtenaw County Circuit Court judge to declare a house a public nuisance and order it padlocked for up to a year.

Right now counties and the state attorney general have the authority to order a building locked, and Winters said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan frequently used the law while he served as Wayne County attorney.

"It's not fair to our residents, and we hope to hold (property owners) accountable," Winters said. "These properties are causing major problems for law enforcement, township officials and neighborhoods all together."

Winters said the township is holding off on moving forward with its "cost recovery ordinance" until after the legislature votes on the padlock bills.

 

[LittleDabbie]

• Smith returns to prison for medical marijuana violations

Coldwater, Mich.COLDWATER — Coldwater Township resident Chris Smith expected to get time served when he appeared before Branch County Circuit Judge Bill O’Grady; he had pled guilty to the illegal sale of medical marijuana.Instead he was sent to prison for 16 months to 2 years because of the amount of drugs involved, as well as his history.

On Sept. 7 Michigan State Police troopers received a tip that marijuana was being delivered to Smith’s home. Lynne Hodges of Stanton was stopped nearby and admitted she had delivered a pound of marijuana to Smith and received $2,400, which was seized.Troopers then obtained a search warrant and returned to Smith’s residence where the marijuana – over 1,000 grams contained in zip locked bags – was seized.

Vials of hash oil were found as well. Officers said Smith admitted he sold marijuana to others who had no MMMA cards but "who needed it." Records indicate Smith’s MMMA card had expired. Smith suffers from a broken back, crushed legs as the result of an accident, and has had six heart attacks."After 20 days in jail" before he was released on bond, "I could hardly walk," he said.

Branch County Prosecutor Ralph Kimble called Smith "a drug dealer under the guise of medical marijuana." This sends a wrong message for no more jail time," Kimble said."I realize what I done wasn’t with the law, but I just wanted to give comfort before they died," Smith said of the people he supplied. "So you’re just the Robin Hood of controlled substances?" O'Grady asked."I hate to put it that way, but it was non-profit," Smith said. He added the money made "went back into the community."

O'Grady asked Smith if he were a philanthropist?" It wasn’t large quantities," Smith answered. "You have a history of dealing for profit, which demands higher sanctions because of the repetitive nature of your crimes," O'Grady said. Smith served a prison term in the 1980's for delivering cocaine in two cases. He had other drug convictions in the 1990's. In total, Smith had served 7 and a half years in prison prior to his latest conviction."I just tried to help others with their pain like it helped mine," Smith said of his marijuana business."Unfortunately this is a wrong example for people who are trying to promote medical marijuana," O'Grady said. "Former dealers trying to bootstrap" and use the law.

http://www.thedailyreporter.com/article/20141208/NEWS/141209229

 

[2DogWalker]

Michigan : future home of Americas next civil unrest..... Wtf did we re elect anyone for on November 4...

Sick
2dogwalker

 

[LittleDabbie]

3 men convicted of running violent drug ring in Detroit

A federal jury convicted three men today of running a violent drug ring in northwest Detroit that relied on teenagers to peddle dope and prescription pills on the street and burn homes to use as stash houses.

The ringleaders – two brothers – also gave teenagers guns to do the job.

"This group caused significant damage to the Warrendale community, exploiting teenage boys to do their dirty work on the street as drug runners and burning homes to use as stash houses," U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said in announcing the convictions.

Following a six-week trial before U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy, the jury convicted three defendants of multiple charges. They are Mohamed Faraj, 31; Fouad Faraj, 44; and Mohamed Ayoub, 32 — all of Dearborn Heights.

According to the prosecution, the drug crew peddled marijuana and prescription pills in the Warrendale neighborhood from 2009 until 2013, when they were arrested.

The convictions were the result of a lengthy investigation coordinated by the Detroit One Initiative, a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community to reduce homicide and other violent crime in Detroit.

To date, seven members of the group have been convicted of federal drug charges.

Today's convictions follow the previous guilty pleas of the following members of the drug organization:

Mohammed Abdul Alhakami, 23, of Detroit.

■ Ali Al-Hisnawi, 22, of Detroit.

■ Zaidon Al-Beheia, 26, of Dearborn.

■ Adnan Bazzi, 28, of Dearborn

Abed Faraj, 40, of Detroit was acquitted of the charges against him.

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2014/12/08/drug-dealers-convicted/20111937/

 

[LittleDabbie]

Two additional votes in recount don't change outcome of failed Lapeer marijuana proposal

LAPEER, MI -- Lapeer County Clerk Theresa Spencer said independent election inspectors found one additional yes vote and one additional no vote during a recount of the failed Nov. 4 marijuana ballot proposal in the city of Lapeer.

The change still left the proposal -- asking for all residents over 21 to be able to possess less than one ounce of marijuana on private property -- six votes short of passing. The final count was 928 no to 922 yes votes.

"It was interesting, because both votes came from the same precinct," said Spencer of the recount that was requested by Lapeer attorney Bernard Jocuns, a supporter of the initiative backed by the Safer Michigan Coalition.

Eight independent election inspectors -- two per precinct -- were hired to conduct the recount Monday, Dec. 8, in the jury assembly room, Spencer said, under watch of the Lapeer County Board of Canvassers that certified the final result.

Jocuns paid a $40 deposit for the recount -- $10 per precinct -- that's credited to the city for expenses. The city will have to pay the county $707.18 to cover remaining expenses, including wages and travel expenses.

He called for the recount after noticing three of the city's four precincts had passed the proposal. Jocuns previously said another attempt will be made to approve such a proposal in the city, citing a need for additional information to overcome myths regarding marijuana.

Saginaw, Port Huron, Mt. Pleasant, Huntington Woods, Berkley and Pleasant Ridge all passed ballot proposals regarding marijuana during the November election, while voters in Frankfort, Onaway, Clare and Harrison declined proposals for some form of decriminalization.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/12/two_additional_votes_doesnt_ch.html#incart_river

 

[LittleDabbie]

Marijuana shop leaves Garfield, seeks business friendly town

TRAVERSE CITY — Operators of a newly opened medical marijuana facility aren't blowing smoke: They're headed for greener pastures after a court battle with Garfield Township officials.

The Phenos Cannabis Provisioning Center opened at 3000 Keystone Road in early September, and operators Clay and Jason Corban did so without applying for Garfield Township zoning or sign permits. But the township bans medical marijuana distribution from any commercial facility, so township officials issued a cease and desist order and sought an injunction from the 13th Circuit Court to immediately close the business.


Attorney Thomas Lavigne of the firm Cannabis Counsel PLC in Detroit said called Garfield's ordinance illegal. In September he said his clients planned to fight it in court and predicted the decision would set a precedent for Grand Traverse, Antrim, and Leelanau counties regarding other bans on marijuana collectives.

But there won't be any court fight now. The township agreed to drop a request for $5,000 in fines and more than $3,400 in costs once the Corbans agreed to immediately close their doors.

"We want to do business in a more business friendly community instead of wasting our time," Lavigne said. "We didn't really feel they were dealing with us as an honest broker."

Lavigne said the Phenos fight accomplished one thing -- they forced the township to amend its ordinance to bring it compliant with current state law.

Garfield zoning officials contend their ordinance updates weren't related to the Phenos situation.

The case took an unusual turn when a faulty court notice caused Lavigne to miss a hearing, at which time 13th Circuit Judge Thomas Power authorized township officials to close the business and lock out the owners.

The Corbans previously agreed to stop performing medical marijuana transactions, but continued to sell accessories and township officials assumed the activity involved marijuana transactions. Township attorney Ross Hammersly asked Power to sanction the Corbans $8,400 and hold them in contempt of court.


Hammersly said Lavigne should have explained the situation before the hearing.

"We inquired numerous times about that particular issue and were met with dead silence," Hammersly said.

The settlement also eliminates a complaint Lavigne planned to file against Grand Traverse County sheriff's officials for entering the Phenos building without a warrant. The owners discovered a locksmith sent by the township and a sheriff's deputy attempting to "break through" a second interior door after they had already secured the outer door.

"I do not know why they wanted to break into the building ... but they continued to attempt to get into the building without authority and without a warrant," Lavigne said.

Lt. Chris Barsheff said the locksmith needed to get into the building to secure a garage door he could not disable from the outside.

"We were not there conducting a search and seizure," Barsheff said. "We were just providing security."


http://www.record-eagle.com/news/lo...cle_cda16102-c20e-5a4b-ae56-68e7a6f14745.html

 

[LittleDabbie]

Ken Braun: New Federal pot policy puts Attorney General Schuette in a lonely spot

On Election Day 2008, an overwhelming 63 percent of Michigan voters approved a law allowing medical marijuana transactions, despite federal drug laws that prohibit the sale and consumption of pot. But if the state of Michigan won’t stand in the way of medical marijuana providers, then many federal drug enforcement authorities soon won’t be able to either due to the terms of a budget directive agreed to this week in the U.S. Congress and likely to be signed by the President. Michigan’s dogmatic opponents of medical marijuana distribution, such as Attorney General Bill Schuette, will soon be on a lonely island of unpopular policy, separated from most of the electorate and an indifferent federal government.

According to a Wednesday news release from Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a drug law reform organization, GOP Congressman Dana Rohrabacher of California has successfully attached an amendment to the federal budget that prohibits the U.S. Department of Justice from “using federal funds to interfere with state-legal medical marijuana operations.” So, while federal law doesn’t yet allow an exception for state-approved medical marijuana facilities to operate, the budget will soon yank funding from enforcement against those retailers wherever they are permitted under state laws.

“Congress has finally listened to the vast majority of Americans who believe the federal government has no right to interfere in the personal decision to use medical marijuana made by a patient in consultation with his or her doctor,” said Major Neill Franklin (Ret.), executive director of LEAP and a former Baltimore Police Department supervisor.

Dispensaries had been selling marijuana to patients under protection of Michigan’s 2008 law until a February 2013 Michigan Supreme Court ruling invalidated that protection. While patients remain protected as consumers, retailers no longer have clear legal protection to sell. Ever since, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette - a fierce opponent of the 2008 law - has aggressively encouraged and assisted the closure and criminal prosecution of those seeking to sell pot under the 2008 law.

Shortly after the Michigan Supreme Court ruling, Republican state Rep. Mike Callton of Nashville introduced a bill to re-legalize and regulate the retail dispensaries. The bill passed the Republican-controlled House last year by an overwhelming 95-14 vote, with 59 Republican supporters. Despite the Legislature moving to remedy the seller ambiguity, the Attorney General didn’t apply his prosecutorial discretion to ease off dispensary businesses people caught in the legal limbo, and continued to prosecute them.

He also used his influence this summer to actively oppose further progress on Callton’s bill. As of Dec. 12, one year after approval in the House, the proposal had not been voted on by the Michigan Senate, despite Republican Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville’s support.

At the federal level, Republican U.S. House Speaker John Boehner allowed a vote on the Rohrabacher amendment. Michigan Republican Congressmen Fred Upton of St. Joseph and Justin Amash of Cascade Township voted in favor of it.

The Michigan Senate should pass the stalled Callton bill, and Gov. Snyder should sign it.

The 2008 medical marijuana vote shows the Attorney General has never been on the side of the vast majority of the citizens he supposed to serve. He has now been abandoned by the federal government above him, and a rapidly growing chunk of his fellow Republicans are demanding a smarter policy path as well. If he’s still holding this up, then it is is time for him to learn to live amiably with the people who need medical marijuana, the business people needed to distribute it, and the three million Michigan voters who said this is the drug policy they want.

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2014/12/ken_braun_new_federal_pot_poli.html

 

[LittleDabbie]

Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Extended in Howell

12/13/14 - The Howell City Council has decided to extend its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries pending action in Lansing. Action was taken in August to extend the moratorium in anticipation of the Legislature amending state law regulating those types of facilities. That never happened and while it’s possible during the lame duck session, Howell Mayor Phil Campbell tells WHMI it appears the legislature won’t be taking action until next year. Council originally enacted the moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries in March in response to case law and a couple of inquiries. Mayor Campbell says it has now been extended to January 30th of 2015 and the City is looking at a regulatory approach. He says they're not encouraging the opening of dispensaries but rather trying to get framework in place so that if they do become fully legal everywhere, something will be in place to regulate them in the community. Discussion surrounding medical marijuana continues to be a complex subject for many municipalities, not just Howell. Community members on both sides of the aisle weighed in on the issue, prior to Council extending the moratorium. A local substance abuse specialist cautioned that allowing medical marijuana dispensaries is nothing to take lightly, and raised concerns about the potential perception and impact on youth. A local attorney specializing in Medical Marihuana law told members regulation in an open licensed manner is the safest option, especially for those who are truly sick and suffering. She agreed that clarification at the state level is needed but reminded members that the use of medical marijuana is legal. (JM)

 

[LittleDabbie]

Police say Eastern Michigan University student robbed at gunpoint

YPSILANTI -- An Eastern Michigan University student reported two men forced their way into his off-campus apartment at gunpoint, assaulted him and then stole marijuana and a laptop.

Police say the incident happened about 7:35 p.m. Friday in the 100 block of North Normal Street. The suspects allegedly demanded marijuana and then punched the student in the face. He later refused medical treatment.

The suspects fled the area with marijuana and a laptop computer, according to a report. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspects.

The victim described the first suspect as a 6-foot tall, light-skinned black male with a "fade" haircut; wearing a grey jacket and pants; and the second suspect was described as a 6-foot tall dark-skinned black male, thin build, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, knit hat and armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

Please report any information regarding this incident to the Ypsilanti Police Department at 734-483-9510.


http://www.heritage.com/articles/2014/12/13/ypsilanti_courier/news/doc548c79a8c2e37469941191.txt

 

[oscar169]

Lets all hope they pass the DISP and Eddy Bill in this Lame Ass Fucking Duck

 

[LittleDabbie]

Lets all hope they pass the DISP and Eddy Bill in this Lame Ass Fucking Duck

You can hope but they won't... not till next year..

 

[oscar169]

You can hope but they won't... not till next year..

I bet your right ..:)

 

[LittleDabbie]

Police: Man tried to steal marijuana from caregiver

Commerce Township – — A 33-year-old Sterling Heights man is in custody and expected to be charged in the attempted theft of marijuana from a state-licensed caregiver Sunday night.

Oakland County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a breaking and entering in the 3200 block of Haggerty Road. The owner, a medical marijuana caregiver, grows plants in the business for patients. He told deputies he was at home about 11:30 p.m. when he saw someone on his security camera breaking into the building, setting off a building alarm.

Deputies found a hole had been cut in the garage door and a van without a license plate was backed up to the garage. Inside the van was a large garbage bag of marijuana.

The van had been blocked in by a car owned by an employee of the business.

Officers impounded the van and searched the area with a K-9 tracking dog. About 3 a.m., police in Keego Harbor and West Bloomfield Township informed deputies they had the 33-year-old suspect in custody.

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/ne...-marijuana-business-attempted-theft/20447571/

Oh Oakland county you never fail to let me down :P

 

[LittleDabbie]

Medical marijuana advocates say lawmakers provide protection against federal prosecution

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Attorneys who specialize in marijuana cases say a “bizarre” conflict that allows medical marijuana under state laws but prohibits it under federal law could be coming to a close.

In a federal spending bill, Congress said it would prohibit the U.S. Department of Justice from going after medical-marijuana patients or caregivers who are compliant with their state’s laws. The bill awaits the president’s signature.

“It’s about time,” Grand Rapids attorney Bruce Block said Monday, Dec. 15. “The federal government has been on the wrong side of history for the last 10 years, at least. It’s encouraging to hear the feds are going to back off the war. The war on marijuana has been just an abysmal failure.”

He said the law has a “bizarre effect: States say yes, feds say no.”

Others said such action was overdue.

Americans for Safe Access, or ASA, called the bill a “historic” measure that, if passed, will end federal raids, arrests, prosecution and forfeiture of assets of medical-marijuana growers.

"This is truly a long-fought victory for medical marijuana patients who have lived in fear of being caught in the crossfire of conflicting state and federal laws for nearly two decades," said Steph Sherer, ASA’s executive director.

“This is a great day for patients and for public safety,” said retired Major Neill Franklin, executive director of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.

“Congress has finally listened to the vast majority of Americans who believe the federal government has no right to interfere in the personal decision to use medical marijuana made by a patient in consultation with his or her doctor.”

Daniel Grow, a former Kalamazoo attorney now working in St. Joseph, said he is hopeful but wary.

“In a general sense, I am very happy that the federal government seems to be recognizing the primacy of state law relating to medical marihuana, but I am still very concerned that in some jurisdictions the intent of the language will not be respected, and efforts to convict under federal law patients and their caregivers will continue.

“Given complicated funding schemes for state and local drug enforcement teams, I am also concerned that federal money will nevertheless benefit law enforcement’s efforts to prosecute patents and their caregivers in states that should be protected. While I still have concerns, it is clearly a step in the right direction.”

Block said marijuana use as medicine will grow in other states. Marijuana, already legal in Colorado and Washington, is headed for legalization in other states.
“I think it’s inevitable,” Block said.

“I’m all about putting the Mexican cartels out of business. The genie’s out of the bottle. It’s obvious there’s medical benefit. Is it abused? Tell me one drug that isn’t.”

Block said he isn’t an advocate for marijuana or an opponent. He just thinks the government ought to have a different response to those who use the drug. He and others think it should not be classified as a Schedule 1, with the most dangerous level of drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

He has concerns about drugs reaching children, but say they already get it.

“I’m not a big advocate of it, but it can’t possibly get worse than alcohol and tobacco. Regulate it.”

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/12/medical_marijuana_advocates_sa_1.html

 

[LittleDabbie]

Skubick: Governor Snyder Responds To Presidential Speculation

LANSING, MI (WLNS) – As the political season winds down for the year 6 News Capitol Correspondent Tim Skubick sat down for a one-on-one interview with Governor Rick Snyder.

They discuss speculation that he might run for president and he also answers a question he that says, “came out of left field.”

Reporter: “Have you ever smoked marijuana?”
Governor Snyder: “laughter”

The governor does a series of year end interview with the capitol press corps and it’s always fun to find that one question he did not anticipate.

Turns out he did anticipate a question that he got recently from the national news media.

The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine and Politco.com all wanted to know one thing.

Governor Snyder: “Did I have aspirations to run for an office besides this one?”
Reporter “Were you surprised by that?”
Governor Snyder: “Not necessarily and the reason I say that, Tim, is if you look at the future of our country in 2016, there’s speculation all across the board. I mean, I’m not sure who hasn’t been speculated about for 2016. The best candidate in my view, if you just look at categories of candidates, should be a governor, a republican governor.

The governor continues to take himself off the speculation list believing it has no value, but it does help him to tell the Michigan story.

Reporter: “Are you flattered by that?”
Governor Snyder: “It’s nice and again, it’s not all negative in the sense that it’s helping promote success in Michigan. That’s the good part in this and part of the thing I have said in at least one of those articles is we need to be telling the Michigan story more. And the reason for that is we tend to lag, people’s perception lags about five to 10 years behind the reality.”

On other issues the governor is a no on extending the sales tax to services. He wants to keep the Education Achievement Authorities. He would like to tax E-Cigarettes and he says the bridge between Detroit and Windsor will be built by 2020.

Now back to the question on marijuana, after he stopped laughing.

Reporter: “Have you ever smoked marijuana?”
Governor Snyder: “No.”
Reporter: “Why would you laugh at that question?”
Governor Snyder: “Well again, that was a little out of left field.”
Reporter: “What you advise your kids not to do marijuana?”
Governor Snyder: “Again, I would give them that advice. People have to make their own decisions and I wouldn’t encourage them to violate the law either. was would advise them not to do that and not to break the law either.


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