GROUP LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO STOP PROPOSAL ON POT

Calling it a "pot dream come true for drug dealers," a coalition of
state law enforcement, medical and antidrug groups has launched a
campaign to shoot down Proposal 1, the medical marijuana initiative
on the November ballot.

Proposal 1 would allow the use of marijuana statewide for pain relief
from chronic illness as approved by a doctor.

Users would carry state identification as medical marijuana users and
would be exempt from prosecution for using the drug for pain relief.

Proposal 1 also would allow registered users to grow their own marijuana.

Use of medical marijuana is allowed under local ordinances in
Detroit, Ferndale, Ann Arbor and Traverse City, although state law
supersedes local law.

The opposition group calls itself Citizens Protecting Michigan's
Kids, and its members say the proposal would put more marijuana
within teens' reach.

Based on what they call failures in California's medical marijuana
laws, its members -- including Michigan Court of Appeals Judge
William Schuette -- warn of pot shops in shopping centers and an
increase in crime.

"We don't want to California-ize Michigan with that problem," he said.

Schuette has acknowledged a possible run for attorney general in 2010.

Doctors are concerned about endorsing a treatment they cannot
properly control, said Dr. Daniel B. Michael of the Michigan State
Medical Society, which earlier this summer was neutral on the proposal.

He said there are several scientifically proven drugs available for pain.

A Free Press poll showed two-thirds of participants in favor of the
legislation. Until the opposition announcement, Proposal 1 was
virtually uncontested.

The Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care, proponents of Proposal
1, says the legislation is intended for cancer, HIV and glaucoma
patients for whom the active ingredient in marijuana --
tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC -- may provide pain relief.

"I think they are flailing around, using misinformation and scare
tactics," said Dianne Byrum, spokeswoman for Proposal 1. "I don't
think their arguments are really grounded in fact."

The Michigan proposal is unlike the California laws, she said.

There is no provision for cooperative growing, so no pot shops.

There are 12 states with medical marijuana laws, and all have seen
drops in teen marijuana use, she said.

Byrum said the proposal has the support of the Michigan Nurses Association.