SIGNATURES TURNED IN TO PUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUE ON BALLOT

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A group that wants to allow the use of
marijuana for medical purposes has turned in nearly 500,000
signatures to put the issue on the November 2008 ballot.

The Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care says the 496,000
signatures it handed over to the secretary of state's office should
easily contain 304,101 valid signatures, the minimum required.

If approved by voters, the initiative would allow qualified,
seriously ill patients to use and grow a limited amount of marijuana
for medical purposes upon the recommendation of a doctor.

Twelve states and five Michigan cities have passed laws allowing the
medical use of marijuana. Marijuana is illegal under federal law
under all circumstances.