BILL STIRS MEDICAL MARIJUANA DEBATE

Police Say Legislation a Time-Saver

State legislation that would tweak the medical marijuana law has
police encouraged and users ticked.

Senate Bill 377 would require the names of all registered users and
caregivers be given to state police, who in turn would provide the
list to local law enforcement agencies. The legislation, sponsored by
Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, has been referred to the Judiciary Committee.

For police, it would be a break from wasting resources by
investigating tips about people who turn out to be in the clear.

St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon said his department has faced
that situation.

"It makes it extremely difficult," he said. "If you know that ahead of
time, you can sort a complaint or tip."

Port Huron Police Lt. Scott Pike said Booher's legislation would be a
time-saver because it can be difficult to verify if someone is
registered with the state.

"It would probably clear up a lot of unknowns because the system is so
new," he said.

Many patients and caregivers consider the proposal an invasion of
privacy.

Morgan Fox, Marijuana Policy Project spokesman, said a person's status
should be made available if they are accused of breaking a law, but it
shouldn't be general knowledge.

"For any other medication, the police wouldn't require a list ... that
they are prescribed," Fox said. "It's not their business. It's between
them and their physician."

Jeremy West, owner of Two Guys and a Grow Shop in Port Huron Township,
said because police can verify information with the state police, they
don't need a list.

But, he said, patients and caregivers who adhere to the law shouldn't
be concerned about having their information out there.

"As long as you stay within the legal limits, there should be no fear
of problems," he said.