MARIJUANA COULD BE ON STATE'S NOVEMBER BALLOT

IONIA - An initiative to vote on whether to legalize marijuana for
medical purposes in Michigan is drawing a response from law
enforcement officials and medical experts alike.

"We would look at it like other prescription drugs," said Dwain
Dennis, Ionia County Sheriff.

He said people caught with the drug and not properly prescribed would
be dealt with accordingly.

"You would be in possession of a controlled substance," he said.

If approved, Michigan would join 14 other states legalizing the drug
for medicinal use.

With it is becoming somewhat of a national trend, health experts are
starting to weigh their opinion on the use of marijuana as a prescribed drug.

David Fox, Director of Public Relations for the Michigan State
Medical Society, said right now the group opposes medical marijuana
use except for in controlled studies.

The group currently has no stance on the ballot initiative, but may
be a topic of discussion at a meeting in May.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of discussion on the topic at that
meeting," Fox said.

According to a release by the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate
Care, in a survey of 600 registered voters in Michigan, a majority of
them were in favor of the initiative.

"It has strong support," Dianne Byrum, spokesperson the coalition
said of the initiative. "It is widespread, and it is deep."

She said the language is very narrow, allowing it only for medicinal use.

Eligible patients with special doctors orders would be required to
register with the Michigan Department of Community Health and obtain
a photo identification card.

Additionally, registered users would be able to have up to
two-and-a-half ounces of useable marijuana and could grow 12
marijuana plants in a secure environment.

The proposal also states that it would be for eligible recipients
only and current laws regarding driving under the influence would still apply.

There are currently five Michigan cities with local medical marijuana
ordinances.

Benjamin Marentette, Traverse City Deputy City Clerk, said the
ordinance makes medical marijuana use the lowest priority by the
community's police department.

He said the city's attorney gave an opinion saying the ordinance
isn't legitimate but there have been no challenges to the ordinance.

They are one of the five municipalities in the state with an
ordinance on medicinal marijuana use.

The proposal is currently pending in the state's legislature.

Byrum said if no action was taken or it was voted down within the
current 40-day action period, it would be put on the November ballot.