LAWMAKERS SHOULD FIX REGULATIONS FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The accomplishments of the current state Legislature have been few this year.

Balancing a budget with a structural deficit by using last-minute,
stop-gap measures, knowing a new deficit faces the next Legislature,
doesn't count. In fact, it should take points away from any positive
actions the current body has performed.

But with the election over, the lame duck Legislature doesn't have to
limp away from Lansing. It could actually take some productive
actions that may help the next Legislature and certainly would
benefit the people of Michigan, who seem to be forgotten too often in Lansing.

One such move is straightening out the mess created by the new
medical marijuana law. Local governments and law enforcement agencies
need direction on everything from the regulation of medical marijuana
dispensaries to how to properly identify those who can legally use
the substance.

Legislators admit that while the law was approved by 63 percent of
the voters, it is very broad and lacks specifics on implementing
regulations. As a result, there is a conflict between state and
federal enforcement and confusion, as well as controversy, when
police try to do their duty and enforce the laws.

The Aug. 25 drug raids -- when 16 Oakland County people were arrested
by a narcotics enforcement team -- are a perfect example of the
debate and seriousness of the situation. Those arrested claim they
were following the letter of the law. Law enforcement officials said
there were complaints about the dispensaries and that people were
selling marijuana to customers who were not patients and so couldn't
legally have it.

While legislators concede that clearer regulations are needed, they
don't seem to be too hard pressed to act. Many are talking about
putting it on the agenda of the next Legislature in 2011. But why
wait? The problem is not going to go away and it may only worsen.

Local community leaders are at wits' end. They're not sure what to do
and have no direction from the state. Most municipalities have just
instituted moratoriums until they can study and, they hope, reach
some solution on dispensaries in their communities.

As usual, the state seems to be abdicating its responsibilities,
hoping the problem will go away or that local areas will find their
own solutions. That's not going to work. For the sake of consistency
and fairness, state regulations are needed.

Our legislators are still getting paid. It would be nice to see them
end their lackluster session on a positive note during a time when
most of their activity has hardly been harmonious.

Clearer regulations are needed. There may not be a lot that can be
accomplished during this lame-duck session but here is one thing that can.

Fix the problems associated regulating medical marijuana now. Don't
leave them for the next Legislature because it will have enough to do.

Such an accomplishment would look good on any legislator's resume,
particularly a term-limited one who probably is going to eventually
look for another elected public job.