GROUP TO OFFER MARIJUANA ADVICE, PATIENT ADVOCATES AIM TO TEACH

MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- This is a first: A class on how to
grow pot -- and which type to smoke (or eat) for the high you want.

It's a result of Michigan's new law giving the OK to use marijuana
for medical purposes -- including treatment of nausea, lack of
appetite or anxiety, all common side effects of many serious illnesses.

The new Genesee County Compassion Club, one of the state's first
official "pot clubs," is to meet today. It plans to offer cannabis
cookbooks, advice for dealing with doctors and growing tips.

Voters passed the medical marijuana law in November. The state
Department of Community Health has until April 4 to finalize
guidelines for how patients will obtain state identification cards to
allow them and designated caregivers legally to acquire, possess,
grow, transport and use marijuana as a treatment for specific conditions.

But the state can't advise patients on how to grow or obtain the
drug, which is still illegal under federal law.

New support groups such as the Genesee County Compassion Club will
fill that gap, said club co-founder Tom Yeager, who uses marijuana to
treat Crohn's Disease, a chronic inflammatory disease of the
gastrointestinal tract.

"Our main goal is positive patient outcomes that are also positive
for the community. We want to make sure patients aren't having to go
out on the street to get what they need," said Yeager.

The new state law -- which contradicts the federal law -- raises
issues for police.

Genesee County Undersheriff James Gage was outraged that such a group
would meet. He said not only is marijuana illegal, but evidence
exists that smoking it can be dangerous.

"It isn't good for you, and it's against the law," he said. "If we
find out where these people are, we may pay them a visit."

Fenton police Chief Rick Aro said the law doesn't preclude officers
from arresting people for possession.

"It's opened up a whole new can of worms, and I don't think it was
well thought out," he said. "I think there will be people who will
take advantage of this law."

Contrary to what some might fear, the clubs aren't out to help drug
dealers set up shop with the blessing of the state, said Yeager, who
pointed to a growing controversy in California, where legalization of
medical marijuana has helped foster a booming pot trade that's become
increasingly criminal and violent.

"California has blown it up so much, if you break your finger the
right doc will write a scrip for it. We definitely do not want to
follow in their footsteps," said Yeager. "We're trying here in
Michigan to adhere to keeping this an actual medical necessity and
not let it get overrun by pill heads.

"If a man in uniform would like to show up at our meetings, they can.
We want everyone to know our meetings are not a way to sell,
transport or distribute any sort of goods."

The club is one of about a dozen so far that have filed as local
chapters of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, the statewide
citizen advocacy organization that has been working with the
Department of Community Health on the proposed guidelines.

The meetings are open to anyone interested in learning about medical
marijuana. The first meeting will cover the different strains of the
plant and the types of high each delivers along with growing methods.

"For instance, think of somebody who lays on the couch relaxed and at
ease. That would be Indica. It's good for (treating) pain and sleep
deprivation," said Yeager. "Sativa gives you that free-floating
feeling that's good for anxiety. But both are good for nausea."

Also on the agenda: a discussion of the proposed legal guidelines,
how to get a doctor's recommendation and how to become a legally
designated caregiver/grower.

Future topics include recipes and how different growing and
harvesting methods can affect quality and taste.

State officials are cautious about weighing in on such groups.

"It really depends on what the support group's goals are," said MDCH
spokesman James McCurtis. "There's definitely going to be a need in
terms of groups to talk about the illness and pain and helping guide
people in how to become part of the medical marijuana program.

"But if they're going to play a role in helping you obtain it or show
you how to grow it or where to get seeds, we really don't have a comment."

The Michigan State Medical Society is also withholding judgment.

"There's so much new and different happening with it, we haven't seen
enough of the law in action yet to make a judgment," said medical
society spokesman David Fox. "I think it will have to be a
watch-and-wait situation for now to see how things work out."