MEDICINAL MARIJUANA UNLIKELY IN MICHIGAN

A report released yesterday by the Washington-based Marijuana Policy
Project found that medical marijuana laws, currently instituted in 30
states, have been unaffected by federal threats.

These laws protect the thousands of patients who grow, possess and use
marijuana with the permission of a doctor.

The medicinal use laws have raised great debate concerning their legitimacy
and whether legalization will encourage recreational use of the drug.

Michigan is one of 20 states that have not legalized marijuana for medical
purposes.

State Sen. Bill Bullard Jr. (R-Highland) said he is opposed to legalizing
any use of marijuana in Michigan.

"It is like the camel under the tent, it is being used to promote general
recreational use," Bullard said.

"I will feel more confident in it if they do more research that proves that
it substantially augments our medical arsenal in healing patients," said
Rep. Paul DeWeese (R-Williamston). "If this research shows a quantum leap
of added value, it will push the tide to allow it."

While proponents of legalization for medical uses are lobbying for the
legality of marijuana cigarettes, some critics claim a current prescription
tablet containing marijuana extracts is sufficient for patients. The pill
provides the medical benefits of marijuana without the added chemicals
inhaled when smoked.

"I don't favor legalizing marijuana itself, because it is already in tablet
form," said Sen. John Schwarz (R-Battle Creek).

According to the MPP report, 60 percent of Americans support legal access
to medicinal marijuana use.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan also supports the
legalization of marijuana in Michigan and nationwide. "We support
decriminalization because we don't believe criminalization accomplishes its
objectives. It is counterproductive and creates a black market, no
different than prohibition," said Kary Moss, executive director of the
Michigan ACLU.

This decriminalization is supported by some senators but not when it is
under the guise of medicine.

"I think the question is more should marijuana usage be a criminal offense,
and I believe it shouldn't. But to try and sell decriminalization because
of medical use is a bit clever," said Schwarz, a longtime physician.

While there is some support for legalization of marijuana for medicinal
use, the likelihood that the Michigan Legislature would agree is slim.

"I don't think the Legislature will take it up. It will only get on the
ballot if there is a petition and that takes a lot of money and
organization to propose an initiative," Bullard said.

A drive to put a marijuana legalization measure on the state ballot last
year failed after proponents missed the deadline to turn in a sufficient
number of signatures.