TIME TO LIFT THE SMOKE ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Locally and at the state level, there are signs that the haze that
surrounds Michigan's controversial 2008 medical marijuana law is
starting to lift. And not a moment too soon, either.

In Summit Township, officials this week extended a temporary ban on
new medical marijuana dispensaries. However, township officials made
clear that they -- plus Spring Arbor and Napoleon townships -- might
soon finish developing a zoning ordinance for such businesses. It
could be a model for Jackson, which also has a ban in effect, and
other communities.

At the state level, Attorney General Bill Schuette and some lawmakers
are pushing several bills to clarify the law. Schuette would like to
make it a felony for physicians to falsely vouch for a patient's
debilitating sickness or to lie when applying to use medical
marijuana. Other proposals would address zoning for dispensaries, or
penalize drivers who are stoned.

Schuette clearly is taking a pro-punishment approach, and it may be
tougher on medical marijuana users than what voters intended or what
is needed. But this legislation is a start.

Police, prosecutors and locally elected officials all have been left
with confusion over how to interpret the voter-approved law. There is
a widely held perception, too, that many are abusing this law, using
it as a means to get their hands on a drug that otherwise is illegal.

We supported the 2008 ballot proposal and still support patients'
access to medical marijuana, but we can appreciate the frustration and
confusion. The courts, police and township boards face bigger issues
than medical marijuana, so they shouldn't have to waste time
constantly trying to interpret the law.

State lawmakers return to session next month. There is no reason for
them not to consider refining the law and lifting the smoke for everyone.