MORE THAN 70 ATTEND INTEREST SESSION ON GROWING, USING MARIJUANA

The more than 70 people discussing "splendor in the grass" Saturday
afternoon at the Hoyt Library in Saginaw were not part of a book club.

They were interested in the medical marijuana law, attending a
"compassion club" hosted by the Tri-City Chapter of the Michigan
Medical Marijuana Association, where members educated residents about
the new law and how to register.

Those attending -- about 30 of the 50 men sported beards, six wore
sunglasses, six sported some type of camouflage clothes and many more
wore leather coats or vests -- took copious notes.

The state began accepting applications Monday for ID cards that
protect people from arrest while growing and using marijuana to treat
pain and other symptoms.

Association members have established what they call "compassion
clubs" across the state to inform prospective medical marijuana users
and caregivers about the law's details, help complete the application
and provide networking.

The group discussed how many plants a patient or care-giver can have
(12), how hash and hemp oil are part of the medical use within the
law, it's illegal to order or ship seeds through the mail, why
hospitals or pharmacies will never (in theory) participate with the
law (because of their connection with pharmaceutical companies), and
where to find help online or through members.

The first step, members say, is to get an application, found online.
The second step, is to get a doctor to say you need the marijuana.

"If he says no, get another doctor," said John F. Roberts, 46, of
Saginaw, who is a member of the association.

The group also provided the names of a few doctors, one in
Southfield, who will cooperate.

"But these people are swamped with calls, so leave voice mail," said
Gregory R. Switala, meeting organizer and an association member from
Clio. "It may take a couple of weeks for them to respond, so be patient."

Switala also urged members to use common sense.

"If you've got more than 100 plants, the DEA will visit," Switala said.

"And please, do not drive impaired. We don't want to do anything to
jeopardize this law. This goes up for review in two years, and there
are people out there working to get rid of this law. If do anything
stupid, we're just handing it to them."

"More than that, it's a matter of public safety," Roberts said.

Switala said the group can't "point people to any kind of resource
where they can acquire" seeds or pot, but growers, patients and
physicians are available after the meeting for networking. He
recommends visiting michiganmedicalmarijuana.org.

In reality, he said, "most people don't have to look past the end of
the block," to find someone who has seeds.

And tips of growing marijuana?

"Google 'marijuana cultivation,' and you won't believe how many sites
come up," Switala said. "Want to see someone do it? Google YouTube
and you can watch them."

For information, call Switala at (810) 919-7433.