LOCAL ORGANIZER SUPPORTS, EXPLAINS MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUES

At the 2008 General Election voters approved the Michigan Medical
Marijuana Act, which allows licensed physicians to discuss medical
marijuana with their patients and to recommend its use as part of a
comprehensive treatment plan.

According to the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, a registered
non-profit organization dedicated to advocating the rights of
Michigan's medical marijuana patients, marijuana has been known as a
medicinal herb for thousands of years. Patients wishing to seek the
use of marijuana as a treatment option must speak with their doctor
about obtaining a medical marijuana certification.

"The doctor is the gatekeeper," said Greg Francisco of Gobles,
Executive Director for the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association.
Francisco said, under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, physicians
can recommend medical marijuana to patients suffering from cancer,
HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease and nail patella
syndrome. A patient may also qualify if he or she suffers from a
chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition, or if treatment
for such produces one or more of the following: Cachexia or wasting
syndrome, severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, including
but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy and severe and
persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those
characteristic of multiple sclerosis.

"If a patient meets the medical criteria, and the doctor feels that
the patient will receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the
medical use of marijuana, the doctor will provide the patient with an
official recommendation. Since medical marijuana is not an
FDA-approved drug, doctors cannot prescribe its use. They can only
recommend it," said Francisco.

A patient registry was established with the Michigan Department of
Community Health to identify legitimate medical marijuana patients and
their caregivers. Patients having their doctor's recommendation must
then apply to the Michigan Department of Community Health, which has
20 days to approve or deny an application and issue successful
applicants a medical marijuana identification card. There is a $100
application fee.

"There is no review or overruling in this process. All applicants are
approved as long as their accompanying physician recommendations are
valid, and they meet residency requirements and requirements
associated with applications from minors," said Francisco.

Although the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act went into effect on
December 4, 2008, applications for registry are not being accepted by
the State until April 6, 2009. The first cards are expected to be
issued by April 24, 2009.

Under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, patients who have
successfully registered may possess up to 2.5 oz. of marijuana.
Patients may also cultivate up to 12 plants in an enclosed locked
facility. If a patient is unwilling or unable to grow their own, the
patient may appoint a caregiver to assist with the cultivation of
medical marijuana. That caregiver must be identified on the patient's
registry identification card.

Although patients may transfer medical marijuana to other registered
patients, there is an enhanced penalty of an additional two years of
jail time and a $5,000 fine for diverting marijuana to an illicit
market. Though medical marijuana patients, their caregivers and health
care providers are protected from criminal or civil sanction, anyone
selling or distributing marijuana is not.

"Patients should also be aware that employers do not have to
accommodate medical marijuana use in the work place. An employee may
be a registered medical marijuana patient and still be required to
participate in on-the-job drug testing," said Francisco.

The State of Michigan is projecting about 2,000 registrants, but
Francisco believes that will be an underestimate. "Michigan is the
13th state to protect medical marijuana patients. Data shows that half
of one percent of the population, which equals 50,000 people, have
registered in each of the 12 states that have Medical Marijuana Acts
in place," said Francisco.

He also noted that, according to the USDA, Michigan is the 12th
largest producer of marijuana in the United States, worth about $350
million (tax free) dollars annually. Only corn and soybean ranked in
higher.

"Our organization is making a maximum effort to work with law
enforcement to ensure a smooth implementation. We are hoping that law
enforcement will respect the liberties, and we encourage our members
to respect the limits," said Francisco.

The Michigan Medical Marijuana Association currently has a membership
of about 1,400 with about 25 to 50 new patients joining each day.
Membership, which costs $20 a year, is open to everyone.

According to Francisco, who holds a Master's degree in community
counseling, the organization's membership includes patients,
caregivers, health and legal professionals, the general public and
dedicated staff members. Their mission is centered around patients,
and providing them access to information, physicians, caregivers and
attorneys.

The organization also acts as a voice for patient rights in Lansing
and the media. Members organize events to benefit patients, provide
education and training to patients and caregivers, and share
information via www.MichiganMedicalMarijuana.org

For more information on the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act or for
membership inquiries, call the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association
at (269) 628-4340 or visit the website at www.MichiganMedicalMarijuana.org