MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL SUPPORTS LOCAL PROSECUTORS IN CLARIFYING MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is supporting appeals by
prosecutors in Isabella and Oakland counties seeking clarification of
the Medical Marihuana Act.

In the Isabella County case, Prosecutor Larry Burdick filed an appeal
against Compassionate Apothecary challenging the legality of caregiver
and patient transfers. Schuette filed papers supporting that case last
week.

"We welcome the attorney general's input into the case," Burdick said.
"I think he's taking the correct position on this issue."

Burdick's appeal stems from the case State of Michigan v. McQueen, in
which Isabella County Judge Paul Chamberlain ruled in favor of Brandon
McQueen, owner of the dispensary that now operates as C.A. of Mount
Pleasant, 311 W. Michigan St.

Chamberlain stated the profits of the owners are legal because they
fall under the role as caregivers. However, Schuette is supporting
Burdick and argues dispensaries cannot operate as a for-profit
organization under the medical marijuana law, which was approved by
Michigan voters in the November 2008 election.

Burdick said Schuette's assistance is just another voice in the issue
and he does not expect it to delay the case.

"I'm not too worried about the change in the appeal," McQueen said. "I
don't think it will end up hurting our business or patients either."

Schuette spokeswoman Joy Yearout said the attorney general chose to
support the appeals because he wants to do all he can for those that
are struggling to protect public safety.

She said because the laws are vague, it ties the hands of
prosecutors.

"The attorney general can offer a broader perspective on the cases,"
Yearout said. "There are certain common sense public safety laws that
are in effect that should be followed."

In the separate Oakland County case - State of Michigan v. Redden -
Schuette filed a brief with the Michigan Supreme Court arguing
unregistered users of marijuana should not be able to use a defense
under the Medical Marihuana Act against drug possession charges.

The brief states unregistered users are currently taking advantage of
such a defense if they are found in possession of marijuana.

Burdick said there has to be a clear direction by the Michigan court
system.