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

[LittleDabbie]

Bill allows landlords to ban marijuana smoking, growing (More updated version)

A bill headed to the House this week would give landlords a say in whether their tenants can grow or smoke medical marijuana in a rental.

Senate Bill 72 passed the Senate 34-3 about two weeks ago. It makes it possible for landlords to ban marijuana smoking and growing in their rental units.

The legislation excludes edible marijuana, or “medibles.”

“I totally agree with it, especially in the multi-units,” said Mike Bodeis, president of the Port Huron Area Landlords Association.

“If you’re allowed to have a smoke-free building, you should be allowed to have a marijuana-free building.”

Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, said he proposed the legislation when he received complaints from people in his district about rental houses damaged by grow operations.

“I’m simply clarifying the medical marijuana law,” Jones said.

“This will make sure it is very clear for everyone — from a judge to police to the property owner to the renter.”

Bodeis said he has heard of occurrences where grow operations have led to mold, water damage, or fires started by a grow light.

“You can tell right away if someone’s growing marijuana,” Bodeis said. “Your electric bill is outrageous.

“But some of our members with multi-units can’t pinpoint where the problem is.”

Laura Rigby is director of the Coalition for a Safer Port Huron, the group that was instrumental in putting a petition on the November ballot changing the city ordinance to allow usage of small amounts of recreational marijuana within the city.

Rigby said she believes Jones’ legislation is unnecessary as it relates to smoking marijuana.

“The landlords already have that power to be able to say no smoking in their building,” Rigby said. “In that case, I think it’s more of a token legislation.”

But Rigby said she understands the need to control growers in rentals.

“I do understand the need because there are some bad growers,” Rigby said.

“It can mold, it can leak, it can do damage to the building. They already have issues with bad tenants, let alone bad growers.”

Jones said the bill likely will go to committee in the House sometime this week.

http://www.freep.com/story/news/loc...lords-ban-marijuana-smoking-growing/70355736/

 

[LittleDabbie]

ROFL.................................................How do you not notice the flavor profile of a marijuana infused brownie? And in light of recent news I guess they did get one part right, It can lead to death, if you shoot your self in the fucking head..

Man hospitalized after unknowingly eating daughter's pot brownies


INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJBK) -A father was hospitalized after eating several marijuana-laced brownies baked by his daughter.

The 58-year-old Independence Township man told first responders he thought he was having a stroke.

He thought maybe his daughter had drugged him.

The 17 year-old girl made the brownies with marijuana she says she got from a friend.

She told police she left them out on the kitchen counter -- not thinking anyone would eat them.

The man was released from the hospital and is expected to be okay.

The girl is a Clarkston High School student and will likely face criminal charges.

Undersheriff Mike McCabe of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office said that marijuana is more potent these days than years ago.

"Marijuana today is not your marijuana of the 1960s or 70s," he said. "The THC level is multiple times more potent. Depending how much marijuana was baked into those brownies, it could lead to someone being violently ill.

"It could also lead to death."

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/2...ter-unknowingly-eating-daughters-pot-brownies

 

[oscar169]

Love this Dumb fucking Pig saying it could lead to death...:p

 

[LittleDabbie]

Tommy Chong, Lansing mayor expected at pro-marijuana rally

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Comedian Tommy Chong and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero are among those expected to address the crowd at an annual pro-marijuana rally at the University of Michigan.

"Hash Bash" organizers say Chong, famous as half of the duo "Cheech and Chong," is headlining the 44th annual event on April 4.

Bernero's office on Friday confirmed the mayor's planned appearance. Organizers say a county sheriff, cancer survivors, veterans and advocates from across the state also are expected to speak at the Diag, the main pedestrian walkway through Central Campus in Ann Arbor.

A statewide marijuana legalization ballot initiative is planned for 2016 that aims to allow residents to cultivate their own plants and allow other uses of the drug. Representatives of the Michigan Comprehensive Cannabis Law Reform Initiative Committee are to speak.

 

[Bill Murry]

Love this Dumb fucking Pig saying it could lead to death...:p

What a fucking looser, the cop, the kid , and the parent. Sad to say this is my backyard full of Dumbass irresponsible people.

 

[Motarebel]

Someone get that girls recipe !:D

 

[dogznova]

Saw that cop on the news with that story.. I would love form him to show any case where someone died from an overdose of THC..

What a clown..

 

[LittleDabbie]

Michigan Legislature revisits major bills from last session

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — What's old is new again with the Michigan Legislature as the Republican majorities in the House and Senate reintroduced many bills that died last session or were vetoed by Gov. Rick Snyder for various reasons.

Here's a look at some measures that didn't make it into law last session and where they stand as the Legislature heads into a two-week break:

PASSED AND SIGNED

— Giving Michigan State Police rather than counties the authority to approve concealed weapons licenses: Snyder vetoed similar legislation last session because it included a provision that would have allowed some people with personal protection orders against them to get concealed weapons licenses. Opponents were concerned that such a provision could increase the risk of violence for domestic abuse victims who have sought protection orders. Snyder signed the revised legislation that omitted the language in early March.

— Setting the 2016 presidential primary election date: The state Republican Party had asked for a March 15 date last session, but some Republicans wanted it earlier. March 8 was chosen as a compromise in a renewed effort this session to set a date. The bills setting that date were signed into law by Snyder in late February. Democrats recently announced they will also hold a primary then rather than following their usual procedure of having a caucus.

AWAITING SIGNATURE

— Prohibiting the use of drones for hunting or harassing hunters: Snyder vetoed a bill preventing the use of drones to harass hunters in January. He said then that he wanted a bill prohibiting drones for hunting to reach his desk at the same time. The two bills have now passed the House and Senate.

— Allowing concealed carry of weapons for retired federal law enforcement officers in "gun-free" zones: This bill didn't receive a vote from either chamber last session, but in the new session it has already made it through the House and Senate.

REINTRODUCED

— Repealing a ban against scalping tickets to games, concerts and other entertainment events: The bill made it through the House early in 2014 and was tabled in the Senate, which sent it to the Government Operations Committee. That is where many bills are left to die without further discussion. The process is repeating itself this year. The House has passed the bill and the Senate again sent it to Government Operations.

— Legalizing medical marijuana products that are alternatives to smoking pot: A bipartisan bill to allow for non-smokable versions of medical marijuana received approval from the House and a Senate subcommittee last year, but died in the haze of the session's end. Bipartisan groups have launched a renewed effort in the House and Senate to provide alternatives for about 165,000 Michigan residents allowed to use marijuana because of cancer and other illnesses.

— Forming a new statewide evaluation system for public school teachers and administrators, as called for under a 2011 teacher tenure law: One attempt at this moved through the House last session but stalled in the Senate. A different version introduced in the Senate this session is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Education Committee.

— Fashioning an "early-warning" system so the state can intervene in financially distressed school districts: A package of eight bills that would revise financial reporting requirements for troubled districts has been the subject of several meetings in the House Financial Liability Reform Committee. The committee is expected to send the bills to the full House soon after the Legislature's spring recess.

— Changing the definition of renewable energy to count electricity generated by more items burned by incinerators: This bill returned as part of the House Republican's energy plan. A different version of the bill passed the House last fall but didn't move out of the Senate's Energy and Technology Committee.

 

[LittleDabbie]

Attorney transforms old warehouse into 'Fort Knox for pot' for medical marijuana growers

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The fact that there's money to be made in the marijuana business is nothing new, but the idea that it can be made legally is a novel concept.

At an undisclosed location on the city's West Side, criminal attorney Matthew Herman is looking to cash in on the growing tolerance toward marijuana legally and socially. And he plans to do it without ever growing a plant.

Herman admits that calling it the "Fort Knox for pot" may be a little over the top, but it coveys the general idea.

Herman has transformed an old building into what he believes is the first of its kind - a secure growing facility available to so-called caregivers who grow and provide medical marijuana to licensed patients.

The facility provides a locked, secure access, alarm and video monitored facility for growers that allows them to cultivate marijuana away from basements or sheds on private property, which sometimes makes them a target for home invasions.

It also allows people to grow their plants without the pungent aroma that fresh marijuana produces, permeating homes and everything therein.

As a defense attorney, Herman has represented a multitude of people charged with marijuana law violations. Many have run afoul of the voter-approved Michigan Medical Marijuana Act.

The MMMA is a law that many believe is poorly written and confusing. Others say the law has been made confusing by authorities who oppose it and have created a byzantine enforcement regime that changes from one jurisdiction to the next.

"Logically, the law doesn't make sense, but it is clear as far as what you can and can't do," Herman said. "It's not meant to be a way for people to legally drug traffic."

Herman says he makes it clear that it is the responsibility of his clients to make sure they are in compliance with the law. He says he will report anyone he knows to have violated it.

All perspective tenants of his company, named "Cannabis Solutions," will sign a lease that sets out what is allowed, including the fact that no one other than the legally-designated caregiver can be in the rooms where the plants are growing.

"I don't even have a key to their rooms," Herman said. "You can't push it or I will turn you in."

In the rehabbed 12,000-square-foot building, each room includes a sink and the outlets necessary to install grow lights. Herman said the building has the capacity to handle the high energy consumption that grow lights demand.

The $4,000 monthly rent covers only the room and the energy use. Everything else - soil, fertilizer, irrigation equipment, lighting and - especially - plant material - is borne by the tenant.

Herman estimates setting up a fully functional grow room could cost about $13,000. That does not include the $4,000 security deposit he requires.

So there is money to be made without ever growing a plant, but what about the risk?

Herman said he has consulted with local assistant prosecutors, judges and attorneys who are well-versed in the law and believes his operation complies with all state laws.

Bruce BlockCourtesy Photo
Grand Rapids Attorney Bruce Block, a lawyer specializing in marijuana defense, says Herman's plan sounds like a good one and, from a state law perspective, should be fine.

The only problem is the federal government, which refuses to recognize state marijuana initiatives.

Block says while currently the U.S. Department of Justice has decided not to interfere in states with medical marijuana statutes, that could change on the whim of whomever is in charge of the department at any given time.

"Matt's pushing the envelope and sometimes you have to push the envelope to make change," Block said. "But I'd proceed with great caution."

Joseph Voss, senior counsel at Clark Hill PLC, advises business looking to invest in the growing field of marijuana-related ventures. He says there are opportunities, but those profits are tinged with the kind of risks that "normal" investors don't see.

Joseph L. VossCourtesy Photo

"There's risks that are not involved in investing in a tool and die shop, in that the government isn't going to step in and shut the whole thing down," Voss said.

Voss said he is not sure if Herman's claim that he is indemnifying himself by having his clients agree to abide by the law will protect him.

"He can try to show that indemnity clause to the sheriffs as their kicking in his door," Voss said.

Because of that risk, typical investors are leery about getting involved and banks are concerned that their federal banking licensing prohibits them from making loans to companies involved in marijuana trade that is legal under the laws of some states.

Nevertheless, Voss says there is a lot of money flowing around the "agri-business" of marijuana, including operations like Herman's that have sprung up in states like Washington and Colorado where recreational marijuana is legal.

Voss says another potential growth area is in the testing of marijuana for purity and the amount of THC in the bud, the compound that produces the "high" in marijuana.

He said it seems the arc of history is leading toward a growing tolerance, even acceptance of marijuana, leading to increasing entrepreneurial opportunities.

"There are a lot of forward-looking people out there looking at this area," Voss said.

Herman says he is more than happy to show law enforcement his operation and if a Grand Rapids Police cruiser is parked right outside his door, that's fine with him.

"I feel I'm fully in the clear," Herman said. "If we have police who sit out there because they're worried about it, that just makes us that much safer."

Herman said he has a waiting list of 30 people looking to have a secure facility and said he plans to open another facility soon in Ionia County.

Herman was looking at starting a marijuana-related business in Colorado where it is legal, but that is on hold now while he concentrates on this local operation.

 

[LittleDabbie]

Hash Bash 2015 a call to action for Michigan marijuana legalization initiative

Ann Arbor's annual celebration of all things cannabis, known as the Hash Bash, returns this Saturday.

Thousands of marijuana advocates from throughout Michigan and beyond are expected to swarm the University of Michigan Diag at noon for a two-hour rally featuring speakers ranging from comedian Tommy Chong to Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, as well as activist John Sinclair, for whom the original rally was held in 1972.

The annual event, which organizers call a "speak out and smoke down" protest, has along history in Ann Arbor, now in its 44th year.

The addition of 76-year-old Chong, of "Cheech and Chong" fame, to this year's lineup is expected to draw a larger crowd than usual.

Serving as the political backdrop for this year's festivities is the prospect of a 2016 ballot initiative to fully legalize marijuana in Michigan, not just for medical purposes.

Representatives from the newly formed Michigan Comprehensive Cannabis Law Reform Initiative Committee will be discussing their plans at the rally.

The group is planning to launch a petition drive this year to put a legalization proposal before Michigan voters in November 2016 to preserve and expand the state's medical marijuana law, create a system for taxation and regulation of marijuana for use by people who are 21 and older, and permit hemp farming.

The group argues that could bring thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars to Michigan, including new tax revenue for roads and schools.

Recent polling suggests roughly half of Michigan voters support the concept of legalization and taxation of marijuana.

"Some may say Michigan is not ready. To that, I say we've been ready," said Nick Zettell, Hash Bash organizer and a member of the ballot initiative committee.

"We have quite an impressive movement going on here right now, and we're going to really be using Hash Bash to mobilize the attendees and get them to spread the word about the cause and our specific legalization effort."

Zettell said the Hash Bash, the nation's s longest-running marijuana legalization rally, has evolved into more of a political rally than a protest.

State Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, is planning to speak about legislation he'll be introducing to legalize marijuana in Michigan. A bill he introduced last session seeking to decriminalize marijuana failed to advance in the Legislature.

Irwin said his new bill incorporates lessons learned from Colorado, which legalized marijuana in 2012.

"I've been talking with a wide range of folks about what should be in the bill and what lessons we can learn from Colorado," Irwin said.

Irwin said he considers Colorado's foray into legalization "mostly successful," but he thinks Michigan can improve upon what Colorado did.

For instance, he believes Colorado set its tax on marijuana too high. He said his bill strives to create a situation so buyers and sellers of marijuana would choose to go the legal route, and not give a big advantage to the black market.

"If we want to have the public safety gains of breaking the black market, taking this power and income away from the black market, and be successful in making sure trade in marijuana is regulated, then we have to create a system where the barriers of entry for people ... are reasonable enough," Irwin said.

Irwin said his bill would allow people to privately grow and smoke marijuana, but it wouldn't allow smoking pot in public. He said it also would allow local communities to decide to ban the sale of marijuana in their communities.

He acknowledges it will be tough to get his legislation through the Legislature, but he said there seems to be growing bipartisan support.

"People are increasing in their support for this for both practical and philosophical reasons," Irwin said. "Legalized marijuana is actually under more control than illegal marijuana, and that's the thing that I think is changing a lot of minds."

In addition to Irwin and Bernero, three other elected officials, including Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel, Ann Arbor City Council Member Sabra Briere and state Rep. Mike Callton, R-Nashville, are speaking at Saturday's rally, alongside reform advocates, patients, cancer survivors, veterans and others.

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat from Portland, Oregon, also has prepared a statement to be read at Hash Bash, organizers said.

U-M's Department of Public Safety warns that Hash Bash is not an amnesty day where campus police look the other way on pot smoking on campus. While they allow the rally to happen as a matter of free speech, campus police follow state law and will be making arrests for anyone caught with drugs, including marijuana, on university property.

Elsewhere in Ann Arbor, marijuana has been decriminalized since the 1970s, with the city penalty for possession being a $25 ticket for a first offense.

"U of M is a no-smoking campus," Zettell said of smoking during Hash Bash. "We don't condemn or condone the use, but it is illegal on campus, which is state property, so it's sort of enjoy at your own risk. That being said, the police last year were very accommodating, and we hope to see that continue."

He added, "Above all, we encourage people to be safe and be respectful and just enjoy themselves and listen to what the speakers have to say."

Before the rally on the Diag, organizers plan to hold a protest against federal drug enforcement raids outside the Federal Building at the corner of Liberty Street and Fifth Avenue from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

The Monroe Street Fair, a related annual festival surrounding Hash Bash featuring live music and street vendors, starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 6:30 p.m. on Monroe Street between Tappan and Oakland, two blocks south of the Diag. That will be followed by the annual Hash Bash after party at the Blind Pig at 8 p.m.

 

[LittleDabbie]

University of Michigan doctor agrees to treat girl who is using medical marijuana to stop seizures

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -

UPDATE: After Local 4's story aired, A University of Michigan Hospital doctor called the family and agreed to treat the girl, but would not prescribe medicinal marijuana.

About Bella

Bella Chinonis, 6, suffers from 1p36 deletion syndrome, which means she's missing 21 different genes. ( God damn! )

She has suffered grand mal seizures five to six times each month for her entire life. On Wednesday, her mother Ida gave her a carefully measured dose of cannabidiol oil. Ida said it gives her daughter relief without the pot high.

"She hasn't seized since I've been giving it to her," she said.

Bella spent six years under the care of a University of Michigan neurologist. Ida was not fond of the recommended treatments.

"On pharmaceutical drugs she was a zombie. She was lethargic, would not actively engage or look at you," said the mother.

Ida says the drugs didn't prevent seizures either. She wanted to try something new and called her doctor about it.

"(I told them) I want to try the medical marijuana, and they said, 'If you choose to do that then we will no longer treat her. We will have to discharge you,'" she said.

That's exactly what happened.

"Her whole attitude has completely changed. She's happier, she's engaged, her eye contact is focused more," said Ida.

Now Ida is looking for a doctor who will accept Bella knowing her medical marijuana usage. She's having trouble finding that doctor.

"I hope that more doctors will step forward and take care of pediatric patients. I think everybody deserves a chance to have a doctor no matter if they are on pharmaceutical drugs or medical marijuana," said Ida.

The University of Michigan Medical Center's spokesman said they are not able to speak about this specific case, but that University of Michigan physicians do not counsel patients to substitute medical marijuana for their prescription medications because at this time the drug is not FDA-approved and there is no solid scientific evidence proving benefits to patients.

Ida Chinonis is working with the National Patient Rights Association to find a doctor who will work with her.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/...g-medical-marijuana-to-stop-seizures/32134060

 

[LittleDabbie]

Marijuana plants, mushrooms, pills, guns seized during raid in Calhoun County

SPRINGFIELD, MI -- Marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, pills and guns were seized Wednesday during a raid at a large indoor marijuana growing operation near Battle Creek.

Following a lengthy investigation, Calhoun County Sheriff's drug investigators obtained a search warrant for a home in the first block of Avenue B in the city of Springfield, according to a news release.

Police raided the home at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, finding a marijuana growing operation, a "large quantity" of hallucinogenic mushrooms, prescription pills and firearms. More than $2,000 in cash was also seized, police say.

Police are seeking charges against a 32-year-old Springfield man for possession with intent to deliver marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, possession with intent to deliver psilocybin (mushrooms), possession with intent to deliver prescription medications and possession of an unregistered handgun.

 

[LittleDabbie]

Three arrested during Hash Bash celebration

When hundreds of marijuana fans crowded the Diag for the annual Hash Bash on Saturday, local law authorities made three arrests for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver during the course of the event.

In an interview with The Michigan Daily several days prior to Hash Bash, Division of Public Safety and Security spokeswoman Diane Brown described the division’s objectives during the marijuana-fueled festival.

“The event, itself, which usually has to do with having some speeches and collecting signatures — that part of it is an acceptable event for a student group to hold on the Diag like they do most every day of the year,” Brown said. “We don’t condone what this event sometimes attracts with the use of drugs or public consumption of alcohol.”

Brown said University officers often encounter individuals who are under the impression that the event provides a day of amnesty for illegal drug activity.

“There are some people who come to this who perceive ... that marijuana and other drugs being displayed, transacted, possessed or used is permissible,” Brown said. “So the officers are there to ensure that anyone coming to the event is able to be there in a safe and secure environment.”

She added that there was a period of time where the majority of individuals attending Hash Bash were visiting Ann Arbor from other areas, and students were less likely to be found. Now, there is more of a mixture, with more students who participate each year.

Brown said the number of arrests varies every year, noting that the majority of those arrested tend to be visitors from outside the city, while student arrests are less likely to occur.

“Last year, the University police officers made one arrest during Hash Bash detail,” Brown said. “The year before, there were 16 people who were arrested for possession of suspected marijuana, and one person arrested for MIP. None of those were students. Very few students are arrested during this event. But they aren’t usually engaged in public displays of violations of law.”

Because they enforce state law, University officers must arrest those engaged in the consumption or possession of marijuana. According to a city ordinance, use of marijuana is a civil infraction resulting in a fine. The punishment an individual receives depends on jurisdiction where the infraction occurs.

“If you’re on Dominick’s property, you’re in the city; if you’re across the street on the Law Quad then you're on University property,” Brown said. “If you’re on Monroe Street in the middle, that’s technically a city street under the enforcement of the city police, but on all streets that are city property and adjacent to the University, both police agencies have concurrent jurisdiction.”

To reserve events in the Diag, a group needs to have some affiliation with a University student group, staff or faculty. In the past, the University has attempted to restrict the presence of Hash Bash on its property, but judges have always ruled in favor of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana, the group responsible for orchestrating Hash Bash.

“Ultimately, the free speech aspect of the event was determined to make it something that could occur,” Brown said. “(The concern is) the illegal activity that the event tends to draw, not the free speech part of it by a student organization … the content of what they’re talking about doesn’t matter… but that at the same time, we don’t condone, nor do we need to allow the illegal activity.”

http://www.michigandaily.com/news/three-arrested-during-hash-bash-celebration

 

[diamond2.0]

U.S. Justice Department Says It Will Ignore Federal Law and Prosecute People for Medical Marijuana Despite Congressional Spending Ban
Congress Passed One-Year Amendment in December Prohibiting Justice Department from Undermining State Medical Marijuana Laws; Members of both Parties Sought to Stop Prosecutions and Let States Set Their Own Medical Marijuana Policies
Drug Policy Alliance Calls on President Obama to Rein in Out-of-Control Prosecutors

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) told the Los Angeles Times that a bi-partisan amendment passed by Congress last year prohibiting DOJ from spending any money to undermine state medical marijuana laws doesn't prevent it from prosecuting people for medical marijuana or seizing their property. The statement comes as the agency continues to target people who are complying with their state medical marijuana law. This insubordination is occurring despite the fact that members of Congress in both parties were clear that their intent with the amendment was to protect medical marijuana patients and providers from federal prosecution and forfeiture.

"The Justice Department is ignoring the will of the voters, defying Congress, and breaking the law," said Bill Piper, director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. "President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder need to rein in this out-of-control agency."

Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have laws that legalize and regulate marijuana for medicinal purposes. Twelve states have laws on the books regulating cannabidiol (CBD) oils, a non-psychotropic component of medical marijuana which some parents are utilizing to treat their children’s seizures. Four states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for non-medical use.

Last May Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and Democratic Congressman Sam Farr offered an amendment to a spending bill prohibiting the Justice Department from spending any money in 2015 to prevent states "from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana." Members of both parties took to the House floor in opposition to the prosecution of medical marijuana patients and providers and in defense of states setting their own marijuana laws without federal interference.

The Republican-controlled House passed the amendment with most Democrats and 49 Republicans approving it. The amendment was backed in the Senate by Republican Senator Rand Paul and Democratic Senator Cory Booker and made it into the final "cromnibus" bill that was signed by President Obama in December. The spending restriction applies to fiscal year 2015 spending.

The House also passed three other amendments last year letting states set their own marijuana policies, but those amendments never made it into law. Polls show roughly three-quarters of Americans support legalizing marijuana for medical use. A little more than half of voters support legalizing marijuana for non-medical use, in the same way alcohol is legal, taxed, and regulated.

Advocates say that even though the spending restriction is a good restriction, the Department of Justice’s actions show the need for changing federal law. Last month Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Dean Heller (R-NV) introduced bipartisan legislation to legalize marijuana for medical use. The Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States - CARERS - Act is the first-ever bill in the U.S. Senate to legalize marijuana for medical use and the most comprehensive medical marijuana bill ever introduced in Congress. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Rep. Don Young (R-AK) introduced a House version of the bill last week.

"Congress should respond to the Justice Department’s insubordination by changing federal law," said Piper. "Patients and the people who provide them with their medicine will never be safe until states are free to set their own marijuana policy without federal interference."

###

Contact:
Bill Piper 202-669-6430

Tony Newman 646-335-5384

 

[knucklehead bob]

It was pretty frickin' cold

 

[sixstring]

so did tommy chong show up and speak ?

 

[knucklehead bob]

John Sinlair , Tommy Chong & a number of other locals .

 

[LittleDabbie]

Michigan Voters Could Legalize Recreational Marijuana Use In 2016 Election

LANSING (WWJ) – Michigan is one step closer to having a state-wide vote to legalize marijuana for recreational use.

A proposal that aims to decriminalize the use of marijuana and allow residents to cultivate their own plants is on its way to the State Board of Canvassers. It the board approves the language, organizers would need to obtain 300,000 voter signatures for the issue to appear on the ballot. The goal is to get the Michigan Cannabis Revenue and Control Act in front of voters by Nov. 2016.

The proposal, which does not allow users to light up in public, would create a Cannabis Control Board for licensing commercial operations as well as home growers, who could cultivate plants as long as they don’t have a felony record. It also places a minimum age on who can possess the drug: 21 — just like alcohol.

Under the proposal the state could decide at which rate to tax marijuana, the proceeds of which would go toward education, public safety and public health. Experts estimate that marijuana taxation could generate as much as $200 million a year.



Listeners calling the WWJ Newsroom were divided on the issue.

“I don’t think it should be legalized anywhere. It just leads to stronger drug use and more fatalities and people acting crazy, shooting and killing each other,” said one woman.

“Speaking as the widow of someone who was killed by a drunk driver, Oh, I just so look forward to the day when I can get killed by a pot-smoking driver. That’s what’s going to happen,” another woman said.

“I’m very much against it. We’ll have a bunch of potheads running around and who knows what they’ll do,” said one man.

“I think it’s wrong. It’s a bad idea. Next thing I know we’ll be letting people use cocaine legally in the state of Michigan,” one woman said. “If they proceed with this I will be up there in Lansing with a group of people to protest this very bad decision.”

“I don’t see what the big problem is. Legal or not, people are smoking it so they might as well just put it on the books,” said another woman.

“I’m all for it as long as they tax the heck out of it and regulate it,” one man said.

“Listen, people are doing it anyway and that’s not going to change. The state might as well smarten up, legalize it and start making a buck off of it. This isn’t rocket science,” said another man.

(Call the WWJ Listener Line at 248-327-2949 and your comments could be used on the air. Or, just leave your comments below.)

Voters in six Michigan communities passed marijuana decriminalization measures in November. Voters in two Oakland County communities passed similar measures in August, while voters in Lansing were among residents in three cities who approved decriminalization proposals in 2013.

The decriminalization measures put the communities in potential conflict with state law. Michigan currently bans marijuana use and possession unless it’s medical marijuana.

If passed, Michigan would be the fifth state to defy federal prohibition on marijuana, following Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/04...-recreational-marijuana-use-in-2016-election/

 

[LittleDabbie]

Wow... The comments from randys on the street is fucking appalling !

 

[knucklehead bob]