USE LEGAL POT, GET ARRESTED?

The Laws To Protect Medical Marijuana Users Aren't Ready

DETROIT - Medical marijuana became legal in Michigan on Thursday,
but smoking a joint could still get a patient arrested because the
regulations needed to protect them won't be ready for months. The law
approved by voters in November allows patients with cancer, HIV, AIDS,
glaucoma and other diseases to use marijuana to relieve their symptoms
on a doctor's recommendation.

Qualifying patients can register with the state and receive ID cards
allowing them to legally acquire, possess, grow, transport and use a
limited amount, no more than 2.5 ounces and 12 plants, of
marijuana. They also can designate a primary caregiver to receive
similar protection.

But those cards won't be issued until the Department of Community
Health introduces guidelines addressing how applications will be
handled, what fees will be charged and other issues.

The rules must be finalized by April 4.

Until then, anyone possessing marijuana, even patients who could
later qualify for the program, can be arrested and prosecuted,
though the law allows patients to use a medical-justification defense
at trial.