Law Michigan MMJ

[momofthegoons]

The link for this video wont embed. But the gist of this is that there is fear that once Michigan voters go to the polls in November, and legalize marijuana in this state, that the law makers will change the law in the lame duck post election session.

To view the short news cast follow the link below:

Skubick: Supporters fear legislative end run on legal pot

 

[momofthegoons]

Medical marijuana dispensaries hit with fake cease and desist orders

Some medical marijuana dispensaries that have been legitimately operating under temporary, emergency rules while they're waiting to see if they get a license from the state got an unpleasant surprise recently: cease and desist letters ordering them to stop doing business or risk any chance of getting a license.

The rub: the letters are fake, according to the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

The letters, some of which were taped up on the doors of the businesses, resembled the cease and desist letters that the state delivered to 213 businesses over the last month. Those businesses had been operating without having applied for a license from the state and didn't have approval from the communities where they were located. Those letters were legitimate and warned the businesses that if they didn't stop operating that they risked any chance of getting a license from the state.

The state stopped delivering those letters on April 18. The latest fraudulent letters were delivered in the last couple of days and have prompted a joint investigation by the state's Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation and the Michigan State Police.

The state is asking any business that received a cease and desist letter after April 19 to call 517-284-8599.

"BMMR Enforcement Officers carry a form of identification that makes it clear that they work for the bureau," the department said in a statement, urging business owners to ask to see identification if they're served with a cease and desist order.

And going forward, the department said any official communications will be delivered by mail and not in-person.

The state won't say how many business have gotten the fraudulent cease and desist orders or speculate on the motive behind the orders, said David Harns, spokesman for LARA.

But the medical marijuana business has become a cutthroat industry and several people have complained at licensing board hearings that the businesses operating under the emergency rules have an unfair advantage over businesses that are waiting to open until their licenses are approved.

 

[Baron23]

"Experts say marijuana on the ballot would likely up the voter turnout by 2 or 3 percent, which makes GOP sources in Lansing wonder if they ought to legislatively pass recreational marijuana now. They are concerned that putting it on the ballot would cause them to lose control of the State House."

As ALWAYS its only about politicians protecting their own positions and nothing more.


Michigan recreational marijuana legalization ballot decision expected today
Board of State Canvassers expected to approve petition signatures
By Nick Monacelli - Reporter, Dave Bartkowiak Jr.
Posted: 6:51 AM, April 26, 2018

DETROIT - Michigan's Board of State Canvassers is meeting Thursday to decide whether or not the signatures gathered to put recreational marijuana on the November ballot are valid.

The elections bureau said there are enough. Now a stamp of approval is needed from the Board of State Canvassers. The board is expected to give the approval, and the proposals would then be on the ballot unless the legislature votes on it or makes a competing ballot proposal.

A group supporting legalization in Michigan turned in more than 365,000 signatures from registered voters. They only needed more than 250,000 signatures.

Analysts suggest that if recreational marijuana is allowed sales in Michigan could exceed nearly $1 billion a year. The proposal calls for legalizing possession and sale of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for recreational use. It would be taxed at 10 percent, plus the existing 6 percent sales tax.

Revenue splits are supposed to be as follows:

• 35 percent to education
• 35 percent to roads
• 30 percent to cities and counties with marijuana businesses

The proposal also allows cities to decide whether they will allow the marijuana businesses.

The Board of State Canvassers meets at 10 a.m. in Lansing.

The canvassers also will take up a proposal that would repeal a law requiring higher "prevailing" wages on state-financed construction projects.

Legalizing weed before it's on Michigan ballot?
Meanwhile, there's talk in Lansing about legislatively approving recreational marijuana before it hits the ballot. Current polling shows if the vote was taken now, it would pass. It's also proven to be an issue that turns out voters.

In a very unique political year, the voters invested in the marijuana proposal could seriously impact other races.

Medical marijuana usage passed by a wide margin in 2008, as 63 percent of voters said yes. Experts say marijuana on the ballot would likely up the voter turnout by 2 or 3 percent, which makes GOP sources in Lansing wonder if they ought to legislatively pass recreational marijuana now. They are concerned that putting it on the ballot would cause them to lose control of the State House.

 

[BD9]

Well Michiganders, recreational will be on the ballot in November... Or sooner...

http://www.wndu.com/content/news/Mi...tion-ballot-drive-is-certified-480943311.html

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Latest on Michigan ballot initiatives (all times local):

10:25 a.m.

Michigan's elections board says organizers of a ballot drive to legalize marijuana for recreation use collected enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

The Board of State Canvassers' ruling Thursday means the measure will first go to the Republican-led Legislature. Lawmakers could enact it or let it proceed to a statewide vote.

An opponent of the legislation urged the board to reject it, saying marijuana is illegal under federal law. But a canvasser says the board's role is ministerial, and the opposition should go to court if it wants to challenge the bill.

The proposal would let people 21 and older possess up to 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants at home. A 10 percent tax on marijuana would be assessed on top of the 6 percent state sales tax.

BD9 here, I'm not sure if I'm happy for you or not. In a very selfish way, I am happy for me. Kind of happy for me.
This could quickly go sideways. Hmmmmm............... I don't know what to think.

 

[momofthegoons]

BD9 here, I'm not sure if I'm happy for you or not. In a very selfish way, I am happy for me. Kind of happy for me.
This could quickly go sideways. Hmmmmm............... I don't know what to think.

I'm in the same camp. I'm hoping it's not going to be a 'watch what you wish for' situation....

Here's the thing; we've seen what lawmakers are doing all over the country with what the people have voted in as law. They are changing the law to what they 'think' it should be rather than what was voted upon. There is no guarantee that the ploy to legalize recreational here prior to the vote (so that politicians aren't unseated during the election) wont be overturned or changed in some way after the election by those same politicians that urged that recreational go through prior to the November vote.

 

[Shredder]

I'm in the same camp. I'm hoping it's not going to be a 'watch what you wish for' situation....

Here's the thing; we've seen what lawmakers are doing all over the country with what the people have voted in as law. They are changing the law to what they 'think' it should be rather than what was voted upon. There is no guarantee that the ploy to legalize recreational here prior to the vote (so that politicians aren't unseated during the election) wont be overturned or changed in some way after the election by those same politicians that urged that recreational go through prior to the November vote.

I'm already hearing that our legislature will change the proposal in the lame duck session if approved. Since 08 it's been one step forward and two steps back. We are used to it.

But in general this has to be seen as a positive, and hopefully our legislatures will listen to voters over their real corporate masters.

 

[momofthegoons]

A little more of the same....

Michigan to put recreational marijuana legalization to referendum

Michiganders will be voting in a referendum on the legalization of recreational marijuana when they go to the polls later this year, and cannabis advocates on both sides of the border see it as a great opportunity to boost tourism.

On Thursday the State Board of Canvassers ruled by a vote of 4-0 that the referendum will be on the Nov. 6 ballot after previous attempts to put it on the ballot had failed.

“We’re happy about it,” said Rick Thompson, a board member of the Michigan chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

Thompson said with Canada legalizing marijuana later this year and polls showing Michigan could follow suit, the possibilities are endless.

“Imagine this,” Thompson said. “If Windsor and Detroit both have similar recreational cannabis programs, it creates an opportunity for international tourism and creates a travel destination that eclipses both borders. This could be advantageous for both nations, both communities, and internationally could set the example that other nations would follow.

“It’s an exciting time.”

A poll conducted by NORML earlier this year found that 61 per cent of adults in Michigan were in favour of legalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use.

“This jibes with earlier polls this year with Detroit news agencies, so we are extremely confident this will pass once the voters have their option,” Thompson said.

“It gives all adults the opportunity to possess 2½ ounces of cannabis. It essentially gives permissions to the general public that are similar to the permissions given to medial marijuana users under the state’s current medical marijuana program.”

If the referendum is successful Michigan would become the tenth state to legalize recreational marijuana use and the first in the Midwest.

Jon Liedtke, the owner of the downtown Windsor medical marijuana lounge Higher Limits, welcomed the prospect of marijuana legalization in Michigan.

“It’s not going to affect us in a way that some people might be concerned about,” said Liedtke, noting that Michigan will likely set the age for legal consumption of marijuana at 21.

“So it puts us in a position much like a lot of the bars in the downtown area you have that 19- and 20-year-old scene that you’re going to see that have always been coming to Windsor, always taking advantage of the fact that the age disparity existed for the last number of years,” Liedtke said.

“We don’t see it as that big of a hindrance.”

Liedtke said there will be great opportunities for tourism if Michigan follows Canada in legalizing cannabis.

“We already have great food in the region, we’ve got great biking trails throughout the region, and when I say region I mean cross-border,” Liedtke said.

“And you add on the entertainment possibilities as well, we’ve got the Lions and the Tigers, we’ve got hockey. This region is a powerhouse as it is already for tourists to come to. They haven’t quite caught on to that yet over the past number of years, but I think that cannabis legalization on both sides of the border would be one thing that would bring people in.”


and more......

Marijuana Legalization Will Be on Michigan's Ballot in November


An initiative that qualified for the ballot today would make Michigan the 10th state to legalize marijuana for recreational use and the first state in the Midwest to do so. The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, which voters will consider this November, would eliminate penalties for adults 21 or older who possess marijuana, grow it at home, or share it with other adults. It also would establish a state licensing system for commercial cultivation and distribution.

In February, an EPIC-MRA poll commissioned by the Michigan chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws found that 61 percent of voters favored the initiative. That's up from 53 percent who said pot should be legal in a March 2016 poll and 50 percent who took that position in December 2014. National polls put support for legalization somewhere between 58 percent (Quinnipiac) and 64 percent (Gallup).

The limits set by Michigan's initiative are more generous than those imposed by most of the states that have legalized marijuana so far: two-and-a-half ounces for public possession and noncommercial transfers, 12 plants for home cultivation, and 10 ounces, plus whatever is produced by those plants, for possession at home. The initiative also envisions a relatively light excise tax: 10 percent of the retail price, in addition to the standard state and local sales taxes.

pretty harsh. Possession of any amount is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, while sale of less than five kilograms and cultivation of fewer than 20 plants are both felonies punishable by up to four years in prison.

"This November, Michigan voters will finally get the chance to eliminate Michigan's outdated marijuana laws," said John Truscott, spokesman for the initiative campaign. "Just like with alcohol, it is clear that prohibition doesn't work and that regulation and taxation is a far better solution."

 

[momofthegoons]

Michigan Could Add 22 New Conditions for Medical Marijuana Program

Before the upcoming vote on recreational cannabis, Michigan is looking to extend its medical marijuana program. To decide which conditions should be added to the list of those qualifying for medical marijuana, the state’s Medical Marihuana Review Panel heard from the public last week. Here’s a look at the conditions that will soon qualify for medical marijuana.

These Conditions Could Soon Qualify For Medical Marijuana
So far, the panel has proposed 22 more conditions to add to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. They include depressive disorders, neurodegenerative conditions and curable and incurable conditions.

The complete list includes chronic and general pain, diabetes, colitis, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, organ transplant, brain and spinal cord injuries, OCD, depression, panic attacks, social or general anxiety, arthritis, asthma, Schizophrenia, Tourette’s Syndrome and Parkinson’s Disease.

In total, Illinois residents submitted 115 conditions to the list of ailments that qualify for medical marijuana. But, for the time being, lawmakers are only considering adding 22.

What’s Next for Michigan’s Marijuana Legislation
On May 4th, the panel will reconvene to hear more public suggestions. Afterward, they will approach the director of the Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation. Only after the director’s approval will people with these conditions officially qualify for cannabis.

In November, Michigan residents will vote on whether to legalize recreational marijuana. Earlier this week, marijuana advocates submitted 365,000 signatures supporting recreational cannabis. With more than a hundred thousand approvals over the requisite 250,000, it looks like Michigan will vote on marijuana in the fall.

56.6 percent of Michigan residents support legalization, and many others are not opposed to the idea. Since Michiganians feel so strongly about legal recreational weed, Republicanswant to legalize marijuana before November. If people come out to support for marijuana in the polls, chances are they will also vote for Democratic candidates. This would be bad news for Michigan’s Republican leadership.

After Last Week, Medical Marijuana Patients Might Have Difficulty Accessing Legal Weed
Since March, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has closed over 200 dispensaries. The reason? They didn’t apply for a new marijuana retail license. Dispensaries had until February 15th to apply for an official license after the passage of new regulations last year.

Those that did are allowed to stay open while the department deliberates. Law enforcement recently shut down dispensaries that did not fill out the appropriate paperwork.

Public Information Officer for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs David Harns explains, “Last month we delivered cease and desist letters to facilities that had not applied for state licensure and were not operating with local approval.”

Between shutting these marijuana dispensaries and the issuance of new licenses, there will be a couple hundred fewer options for Michigan’s growing number of medical marijuana cardholders.

Despite Conservative Leadership, Cannabis Is Gaining Ground
Michigan has a Republican Governor and a Republican majority in the state Senate. This has translated to more dispensary regulations and licensing laws, compared to previously lax policies. So far, more legislation has meant more dispensary closures and reduced access to marijuana.

But over half of Michiganders support legalizing marijuana, and many are taking an active role in the political process. As a result, it looks like they’ll be getting an expansion to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act a few months before legalizing adult recreational use.

 

[momofthegoons]

Sigh.....
There's a link to a podcast, that I can't imbed, at the beginning of this Michigan Radio article. Greenlee explains the anti legalization group's stance. They have their heads in the sand....

Anti-marijuana group considering all options, including lawsuits, to keep pot illegal in Michigan

The Michigan elections board has agreed there are enough petition signatures to put a proposal to legalize recreational use of marijuana on the ballot in November.

The state legislature can approve that initiative now. If it doesn’t within 40 days, then it will be on the ballot.

Maybe.

The group Healthy and Productive Michigan opposes legalizing marijuana. It might file a court challenge. Scott Greenlee heads up that group, and he joined StatesideFriday to explain why he feels legalizing recreational marijuana would be a “huge mistake.”

Listen above to hear Greenlee explain what his group is considering doing to oppose legalizing marijuana, how his group’s opposition affects the bipartisan effort to reduce the cost for imprisoning people for non-violent drug offenses, and more.

 

[momofthegoons]

Three new Michigan medical marijuana bills introduced on 4/19

When the legislature banned a patient and caregiver from extracting marijuana using butane inside of a residence, the reason given was for the safety of the public.

The changes to the MMMA proposed by Triston Cole do not rely on safety, or any logical reason at all. This kind of power grab is frightening. It is one thing to ban an activity, it is quite another to make extracting marijuana a 5 year felony.

Triston Cole wants extracting marijuana to carry a longer sentence of 5 years in prison when the manufacture of marijuana is only a 4 year sentence. What is next? Making a felony out of a medical marijuana patient baking their own brownies? Making it a felony for a medical marijuana patient to grow their own medicine?

This would ban iso extraction and ice/water extraction, not to mention CO2 and other forms of extractions. Talk with your representatives about these bills. Tell them to leave medical marijuana patients alone and give them the same respect as other patients.





http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2018-HB-5843

This bill modifies the MMFLA to make it explicit that only a processor licensee or its agents can extract marijuana resin.

Quote
25 (6) A PERSON SHALL NOT KNOWINGLY EXTRACT RESIN FROM MARIHUANA
26 BY CHEMICAL EXTRACTION UNLESS THE PERSON HOLDS A PROCESSOR LICENSE.

27 (7) AN INDIVIDUAL SHALL NOT KNOWINGLY EXTRACT RESIN FROM
1 MARIHUANA BY CHEMICAL EXTRACTION UNLESS HE OR SHE IS EMPLOYED BY A
2 PERSON THAT HOLDS A PROCESSOR LICENSE AND PERFORMS THE EXTRACTION
3 IN THE COURSE OF HIS OR HER EMPLOYMENT. AN INDIVIDUAL WHO EXTRACTS
4 RESIN FROM MARIHUANA BY CHEMICAL EXTRACTION IN THE COURSE OF HIS OR
5 HER EMPLOYMENT AND WHO REASONABLY BELIEVES HIS OR HER EMPLOYER
6 HOLDS A PROCESSOR LICENSE IS NOT IN VIOLATION OF THIS SUBSECTION.

7 (8) A PERSON THAT VIOLATES SUBSECTION (6) OR (7) IS GUILTY OF
8 A FELONY PUNISHABLE AS FOLLOWS:

9 (A) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISIONS (B) AND (C),
10 IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN 5 YEARS OR A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN
11 $5,000.00, OR BOTH.

12 (B) IF THE VIOLATION CAUSES SERIOUS INJURY TO ANOTHER PERSON,
13 IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN 10 YEARS OR A FINE OR NOT MORE THAN
14 $5,000.00, OR BOTH. AS USED IN THIS SUBDIVISION, "SERIOUS INJURY"
15 MEANS A PHYSICAL INJURY THAT IS NOT NECESSARILY PERMANENT, BUT THAT
16 CONSTITUTES SERIOUS BODILY DISFIGUREMENT OR THAT SERIOUSLY IMPAIRS
17 THE FUNCTIONING OF A BODY ORGAN OR LIMB. SERIOUS INJURY INCLUDES,
18 BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, 1 OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:

19 (i) LOSS OF A LIMB OR USE OF A LIMB.

20 (ii) LOSS OF A HAND, FOOT, FINGER, OR THUMB OR USE OF A HAND,
21 FOOT, FINGER, OR THUMB.

22 (iii) LOSS OF AN EYE OR EAR OR USE OF AN EYE OR EAR.

23 (iv) LOSS OR SUBSTANTIAL IMPAIRMENT OF A BODILY FUNCTION.

24 (v) SERIOUS VISIBLE DISFIGUREMENT.

25 (vi) A COMATOSE STATE THAT LASTS FOR MORE THAN 3 DAYS.

26 (vii) MEASURABLE BRAIN DAMAGE OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENT.

27 (viii) A SKULL FRACTURE OR OTHER SERIOUS BONE FRACTURE.

1 (ix) SUBDURAL HEMORRHAGE OR HEMATOMA.

2 (C) IF THE VIOLATION CAUSES THE DEATH OF ANOTHER PERSON,
3 IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN 20 YEARS OR A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN
4 $5,000.00, OR BOTH.



http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2018-HB-5844

Adds a 5 year felony for extracting marijuana resin without a processor license.

Adds a 10 year felony for extracting marijuana resin if it causes severe injury.

Adds a 20 year felony for extracting marihuana resin if it causes death.


http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2018-HB-5845
Modifies the MMMA Section 7 , 333.26427, removing all immunity if a patient or caregiver extracts plant resin by chemical extraction.



Quote
333.26427 Scope of act; limitations.

7. Scope of Act.
Sec. 7. (a) The medical use of marihuana is allowed under state law to the extent that it is carried out in accordance with the provisions of this act.

(b) This act does not permit any person to do any of the following:

(6) Separate plant resin from a marihuana plant by CHEMICAL EXTRACTION.

 

[momofthegoons]

The original ordinance, issued in Nov/2017 and adopted in Dec/2017 can be found in the linked article.

Residents want township's marijuana laws repealed in Kalamazoo County

ROSS TOWNSHIP, MI -- Residents in a small township in the northeast part of Kalamazoo County are urging their elected officials to repeal ordinances allowing medical marijuana facilities to open.

Under ordinances to authorize medical marijuana approved in January with little public input, the township Board of Trustees required no boundary between marijuana businesses and homes. Meanwhile, the township received three license applications and expects another 10 applications from a single entity for growing operations, according to February meeting minutes.

The cities of Kalamazoo and Portage, and Kalamazoo Township each prevent facilities from locating adjacent to or abutting a residential zoning district.

There is no such protection in the Ross Township ordinances.

"No one in this area lives out here expecting to have this type of facility move in right next door," said township resident Julie Baker. "I'm heartbroken. At this point I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't know if I can raise my kids here."

"Barriers and/or buffers, facility separations, and/or operational requirements" can be applied to minimize impacts on surrounding properties, according to the ordinances. All facilities are required to stay 500 feet from public parks and playgrounds.

The group "Ross Township No Grow" is calling on the board to repeal the two marijuana ordinances. Members are frustrated at a lack of public involvement when the ordinances were created and passed.

Seven public meetings were held by the Planning Commission and Township Board of Trustees since last September, but meeting minutes show no residents spoke out against the ordinances. The only comments recorded in official meeting minutes are from people interested in starting marijuana facilities.

Township officials did not respond when asked if more should have been done to attract residents to meetings.

In an email to MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette from Supervisor Gary Moore, Attorney Rob Thall and Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey, officials noted that all meetings are posted on the township website and public comment is allowed.

Baker said the only reason she knew is because Symponia Farms purchased property near the land she was planning to build her "dream home."

Baker's father Robert had purchased land on 42nd Street, and sold her a portion to build a home for Baker and her two sons. Now they're hesitant to break ground.

At a March meeting, Symponia Farms CFO Scott Hershberger announced he is going through the approval process to open a facility. The veteran-owned entity is planning a location on property purchased on North 42nd Street.

Kyle Barker introduced himself to the township in multiple meetings. He represents 7 Points Supply, which purchased land on 44th Street for a medical marijuana facility.

According to early plans provided to MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette, a grower and processor facility is being considered for 54 acres on 6861 N. 46th St. It's near Stoatin Brae Golf Club and a few homes on both sides of North 46th Street.

The property is located in a rural residential district, is owned by 46th Street Land Holdings, LLC. The entity was formed in March by Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort President John Scott.

Mike Sulka, who lives near the possible 46th Street site, is part of a group of about 90 residents who want the township to opt out of allowing industrial marijuana grow operations.

Sulka is concerned that the 46th Street project, as well as others that may be coming to 44th Street and 42nd Street, will reduce property values and carry negative environmental impacts.

Baker said she is also worried about "silent partners" from outside the community exploiting Ross Township.

She and her father feel that the township pushed the ordinances through at their expense.

"I do think it's strange that nobody in the township knew about this," Robert said. "A lot of people you would think would be informed, they weren't aware either."

Sulka said there should at least be a buffer to protect neighborhoods.

"These aren't friendly family farms," he said in an email. "These facilities are big business and should be in an industrial setting, not a rural one where it will damage property values of hard working middle class people."

Developers must receive authorization from the township and a state license to open marijuana businesses. An unlimited number of growers, processors, secure transporters and safety compliance facilities are allowed under the ordinances.

Provisioning centers, perhaps better known as dispensaries, are not permitted.

Marijuana facilities require special land use permits to open on restricted industrial districts. Growers, and processors when on the same site as a grower facility, are allowed as special uses in rural residential districts and agricultural preservation districts.

Township officials said in the email that special land uses are not allowed if the Planning Commission finds evidence that the use will be incompatible with the area, or detrimental to adjacent properties, the general neighborhood and the health, safety and welfare of the community.

The Planning Commission can require a buffer, if necessary.

Plans submitted to the township must include information about adequate lighting and security plans, strategies to reduce noise, odor and vibrations and impact to traffic and the environment.

A permit will not be issued unless the commission determines the property can be used in accordance with applicable standards.

 

[momofthegoons]

Boy... nothing but bad news out of Michigan today.

Michigan wants to outlaw cannabis-infused beer before it becomes a thing

LANSING, MI - Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, is proposing a bill to stop Michigan breweries from using one particular ingredient: Marijuana.

Cannabis-infused beer is on the rise nationally, according to an article in the industry online publication Beer Advocate.

Some varieties are traditional beers brewed with cannabis derivatives for the aroma and flavor, but don't actually contain the active psychoactive cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Another version would contain no alcohol, but a marijuana infusion that affects users in a way similar to alcohol.

These forms are being sold in other states, such as Colorado, which has legalized marijuana.

As Michigan considers legalizing marijuana via a ballot proposal, Jones' Senate Bill 969 would prohibit all marijuana-infused alcohol.

"Bar owners and bartenders have said that this would be a recipe for disaster," said Jones in a press release. "They have enough trouble judging intoxication levels now without adding the element of marijuana -- especially when you consider that marijuana-infused foods can take an hour to kick in."

Jones said serving marijuana-infused beers would also pose a problem because Michigan is a zero-tolerance state for driving under the influence of marijuana. Bar patrons who ingested any marijuana would not be able to drive home.

The bill wouldn't apply to hospitals, state institutions, private colleges or companies conducting research.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee. It would need to pass the full Senate and House and be signed by Gov. Rick Snyder to become law.

 

[Shredder]

Three new Michigan medical marijuana bills introduced on 4/19

When the legislature banned a patient and caregiver from extracting marijuana using butane inside of a residence, the reason given was for the safety of the public.

The changes to the MMMA proposed by Triston Cole do not rely on safety, or any logical reason at all. This kind of power grab is frightening. It is one thing to ban an activity, it is quite another to make extracting marijuana a 5 year felony.

Triston Cole wants extracting marijuana to carry a longer sentence of 5 years in prison when the manufacture of marijuana is only a 4 year sentence. What is next? Making a felony out of a medical marijuana patient baking their own brownies? Making it a felony for a medical marijuana patient to grow their own medicine?

This would ban iso extraction and ice/water extraction, not to mention CO2 and other forms of extractions. Talk with your representatives about these bills. Tell them to leave medical marijuana patients alone and give them the same respect as other patients.





http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2018-HB-5843

This bill modifies the MMFLA to make it explicit that only a processor licensee or its agents can extract marijuana resin.

Quote
25 (6) A PERSON SHALL NOT KNOWINGLY EXTRACT RESIN FROM MARIHUANA
26 BY CHEMICAL EXTRACTION UNLESS THE PERSON HOLDS A PROCESSOR LICENSE.

27 (7) AN INDIVIDUAL SHALL NOT KNOWINGLY EXTRACT RESIN FROM
1 MARIHUANA BY CHEMICAL EXTRACTION UNLESS HE OR SHE IS EMPLOYED BY A
2 PERSON THAT HOLDS A PROCESSOR LICENSE AND PERFORMS THE EXTRACTION
3 IN THE COURSE OF HIS OR HER EMPLOYMENT. AN INDIVIDUAL WHO EXTRACTS
4 RESIN FROM MARIHUANA BY CHEMICAL EXTRACTION IN THE COURSE OF HIS OR
5 HER EMPLOYMENT AND WHO REASONABLY BELIEVES HIS OR HER EMPLOYER
6 HOLDS A PROCESSOR LICENSE IS NOT IN VIOLATION OF THIS SUBSECTION.

7 (8) A PERSON THAT VIOLATES SUBSECTION (6) OR (7) IS GUILTY OF
8 A FELONY PUNISHABLE AS FOLLOWS:

9 (A) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISIONS (B) AND (C),
10 IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN 5 YEARS OR A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN
11 $5,000.00, OR BOTH.

12 (B) IF THE VIOLATION CAUSES SERIOUS INJURY TO ANOTHER PERSON,
13 IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN 10 YEARS OR A FINE OR NOT MORE THAN
14 $5,000.00, OR BOTH. AS USED IN THIS SUBDIVISION, "SERIOUS INJURY"
15 MEANS A PHYSICAL INJURY THAT IS NOT NECESSARILY PERMANENT, BUT THAT
16 CONSTITUTES SERIOUS BODILY DISFIGUREMENT OR THAT SERIOUSLY IMPAIRS
17 THE FUNCTIONING OF A BODY ORGAN OR LIMB. SERIOUS INJURY INCLUDES,
18 BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, 1 OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:

19 (i) LOSS OF A LIMB OR USE OF A LIMB.

20 (ii) LOSS OF A HAND, FOOT, FINGER, OR THUMB OR USE OF A HAND,
21 FOOT, FINGER, OR THUMB.

22 (iii) LOSS OF AN EYE OR EAR OR USE OF AN EYE OR EAR.

23 (iv) LOSS OR SUBSTANTIAL IMPAIRMENT OF A BODILY FUNCTION.

24 (v) SERIOUS VISIBLE DISFIGUREMENT.

25 (vi) A COMATOSE STATE THAT LASTS FOR MORE THAN 3 DAYS.

26 (vii) MEASURABLE BRAIN DAMAGE OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENT.

27 (viii) A SKULL FRACTURE OR OTHER SERIOUS BONE FRACTURE.

1 (ix) SUBDURAL HEMORRHAGE OR HEMATOMA.

2 (C) IF THE VIOLATION CAUSES THE DEATH OF ANOTHER PERSON,
3 IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN 20 YEARS OR A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN
4 $5,000.00, OR BOTH.



http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2018-HB-5844

Adds a 5 year felony for extracting marijuana resin without a processor license.

Adds a 10 year felony for extracting marijuana resin if it causes severe injury.

Adds a 20 year felony for extracting marihuana resin if it causes death.


http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2018-HB-5845
Modifies the MMMA Section 7 , 333.26427, removing all immunity if a patient or caregiver extracts plant resin by chemical extraction.



Quote
333.26427 Scope of act; limitations.

7. Scope of Act.
Sec. 7. (a) The medical use of marihuana is allowed under state law to the extent that it is carried out in accordance with the provisions of this act.

(b) This act does not permit any person to do any of the following:

(6) Separate plant resin from a marihuana plant by CHEMICAL EXTRACTION.

I emailed my state representative on this today. I hope we all do

 

[BD9]

Michigan's Republican led state senate seems to be worried about their jobs and not what constituents want. Maybe they should worry more about doing the work of the people instead of the work of the nra, big business, and wealthy campaign donors. I mean really, if you're that worried about losing your job, then you must be doing something wrong.

Hopefully, more people will follow @Shredder's lead and email, call or by any other form, contact their representatives and let them know how they feel.

GOP lawmakers contemplate tying marijuana legalization to income tax cut

https://www.freep.com/story/news/20...ers-marijuana-legalization-tax-cut/577836002/

Worried about having a proposal on the November ballot that would legalize recreational use of marijuana, Republicans in the state Senate are working on a plan to vote on the citizen petition and tie it to a cut in the state income tax.

The working plan would try to attract wary Republicans to vote on the measure by tying it to a cut in the state's 4.25% income tax, although a specific cut hasn't been set yet, according to five people with knowledge of the proposal who couldn't speak on the record. The revenues lost from the tax cut would be made up with the taxes generated by marijuana legalization, including a 10% excise tax and the state's 6% sales tax.

Keeping the initiative off the November ballot would be a plus for Republicans because the measure is expected to drive up voter turnout, especially among young voters, which could fuel a blue wave that could flip the Republican majority in the House to Democrats and significantly narrow the 27-10 GOP majority in the Senate.

 

[Shredder]

Again the cynical bastards are worrying about young people voting!

 

[momofthegoons]

Michigan board recommends 10 more conditions qualify for medical marijuana use

LANSING, MI - A state board on Friday recommended the approval of 10 new conditions that could qualify people to use medical marijuana.

There are a set of conditions Michigan doctors can treat with medical marijuana currently, things like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Cancer and Glaucoma. Michiganders can submit petitions asking for other conditions to be added to that list.

The Medical Marihuana Review Panel, made up largely of medical professionals, is charged with making recommendations on whether to add new conditions as things to be treated with medical marijuana. Ultimately the director of the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory affairs makes the decision.

Recently the panel was presented with 22 new conditions people asked them to recommend for approval. Citizens last week testified in support of approving all the new conditions.

The panel recommended the approval of the following conditions for treatment with medical marijuana:

- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

- spinal cord injury

- Rheumatoid Arthritis

- Arthritis

- Inflammatory Bowel Disease

- ulcerative colitis

- Parkinson's

- Tourette's Syndrome

- Autism

- Chronic pain

But the board did not recommend approval for nine conditions people had asked to be added to the list of qualifying conditions. Those included anxiety, depression, panic attacks, schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder, brain injury, asthma, diabetes and gastric ulcer.

Board member Dr. David Crocker was in favor of allowing anxiety as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use.

"I think if used properly and judiciously it's very, very effective," he said.

Dr. Jeanne Lewandowski, however, voiced concerns.

"I do not believe that this petition supports documentation and information that identifies the diagnosis of anxiety as a qualifying condition," she said.

The board voted 4-2 to recommend the condition of Anxiety not be approved. The votes on the other conditions recommended denial were often split, as well.

On three conditions -- colitis, organ transplant, and non-severe and non-chronic pain - the board deadlocked. They tabled the vote on those conditions, and chair Dr. Eden Wells said they would come back to those at a future meeting with additional board members who may be able to break a tie.

From here the recommendations head to the director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Shelly Edgerton. Per a statutory time limit she has until July 10 to make a decision on whether to approve most of the conditions the board recommended for approval and until Aug. 6 to make a decision on chronic pain.

The following conditions are already covered in the current list and can be treated with medical marijuana:

- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

- Cancer

- Glaucoma

- Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus

- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

- Hepatitis C

- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

- Crohn's Disease

- Agitation of Alzheimer's disease

- Nail Patella, or the treatment of these conditions

- Other chronic or debilitating diseases and medical conditions or treatments that produce cachexia or Wasting Syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy; and severe and persistent muscle spasms, such as those characteristic of multiple sclerosis.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect one petition, for chronic pain, is due for a decision by Aug. 6.

 

[momofthegoons]

From Michigan NORML...

Bills in the Michigan legislature

May 5, 2018

Below is a list of all the bills that are active in the Michigan legislature. Please reach out to your state Representatives and Senators and talk to them about these bills.

Jessica Finch

SENATE BILLS

SB 0433 of 2017 (PA 0105 of 2017)
Marihuana; facilities; background check requirements for prospective licensees; modify. Amends sec. 402 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27402).
Last Action: 09/06/2017 – ASSIGNED PA 0105’17 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

SB 0463 of 2017
Advertising; other; advertising of marihuana; regulate. Amends sec. 18a of 1972 PA 106 (MCL 252.318a).
Last Action: 09/28/2017 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

SB 0599 of 2017
Marihuana; facilities; applicant for medical marihuana facilities license; allow continued operation in certain circumstances. Amends sec. 201 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27201). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0600’17
Last Action: 09/28/2017 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH POLICY

SB 0600 of 2017
Marihuana; facilities; applicant for medical marihuana facilities license; allow continued operation in certain circumstances. Amends secs. 302 & 402 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27302 & 333.27402). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0599’17
Last Action: 09/28/2017 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH POLICY

SB 0969 of 2018
Liquor; other; use, possession, and sale of marihuana-infused alcohol; prohibit. Amends 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1101 – 436.2303) by adding sec. 914b.
Last Action: 05/01/2018 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY REFORM

HOUSE BILLS

HB 4606 of 2017
Crimes; controlled substances; provision related to transportation or possession of usable marihuana; repeal. Repeals sec. 474 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.474).
Last Action: 02/27/2018 – RECONSIDER VOTE POSTPONED

HB 4767 of 2017
Advertising; other; advertising of marihuana; regulate. Amends sec. 18a of 1972 PA 106 (MCL 252.318a).
Last Action: 06/20/2017 – bill electronically reproduced 06/15/2017

HB 4837 of 2017
Marihuana; facilities; location of a medical marihuana facility; prohibit if within certain distances of a school, church, child care center, or other buildings owned or operated by certain youth organizations. Amends secs. 205 & 402 of 216 PA 281 (MCL 333.27205 & 333.27402).
Last Action: 08/16/2017 – bill electronically reproduced 07/12/2017

HB 4965 of 2017
Revenue sharing; other; funding to local governmental units that approve medical marihuana ordinances; eliminate. Amends 1971 PA 140 (MCL 141.901 – 141.921) by adding sec. 17b.
Last Action: 09/19/2017 – bill electronically reproduced 09/14/2017

HB 5014 of 2017
Marihuana; facilities; applicant for medical marihuana facilities license; allow continued operation in certain circumstances. Amends secs. 201 & 402 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27201 & 333.27402).
Last Action: 09/27/2017 – bill electronically reproduced 09/26/2017

HB 5144 of 2017 (PA 10 of 2018)
Marihuana; facilities; requirements for the issuance of a state operating license; revise, and provide for other general amendments. Amends title & secs. 102, 201, 205, 206, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 602 & 801 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27102 et seq.).
Last Action: 01/30/2018 – assigned PA 10’18 with immediate effect

HB 5189 of 2017
Marihuana; facilities; number of grower licenses at a single location; limit. Amends sec. 501 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27501).
Last Action: 10/31/2017 – bill electronically reproduced 10/26/2017

HB 5222 of 2017
Marihuana; other; requirement for health warning labels on marihuana products sold in Michigan; provide for. Amends sec. 206 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27206).
Last Action: 03/08/2018 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE WITH SUBSTITUTE S-2

HR 0224 of 2018
A resolution calling on the United States Attorney General to respect the people of Michigan’s constitutionally-protected right to regulate marihuana at the state level, calling on the President of the United States to replace him if he is unwilling to fulfill this duty.
Last Action: 01/16/2018 – referred to Committee on Law and Justice

HB 5654 of 2018
Marihuana; administration; allocation of money in the medical marihuana excise fund; modify for counties and local law enforcement agencies. Amends sec. 602 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27602).
Last Action: 02/28/2018 – bill electronically reproduced 02/27/2018

HB 5843 of 2018
Marihuana; facilities; chemical extraction of resin from marihuana; prohibit unless licensed. Amends sec. 502 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27502).
Last Action: 04/24/2018 – bill electronically reproduced 04/19/2018

HB 5844 of 2018
Criminal procedure; sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for unlicensed chemical extraction of resin from marihuana plant; provide for. Amends sec. 13k, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.13k). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5843’18
Last Action: 04/24/2018 – bill electronically reproduced 04/19/2018

HB 5845 of 2018
Marihuana; other; chemical extraction of resin from marihuana plant; prohibit. Amends sec. 7 of 2008 IL 1 (MCL 333.26427).
Last Action: 04/24/2018 – bill electronically reproduced 04/19/2018

 

[momofthegoons]

From NORML:

The republican candidates for Governor are now all on-record with their positions about cannabis legalization. Here is a transcript of what each candidate said about cannabis at a recent debate in Grand Rapids.
EDIT: Candidate Evan Space did not attend the debate, but we have added his position on cannabis at the bottom of this post.

DR. JIM HINES:
I, I don't support the legalization of recreational marijuana. I think that would be bad. There's a ton of research that needs to yet be done. The interactions with medicine. What kind of cancer does it cause? Ahh, the impact on memory, your ability to work, and so I think that there's a ton of work that needs to be done. But if it's passed, I think that we have to deal with it and we have to, we have to know that the bus driver that is driving your kids is, is, is not under the influence of marijuana. We need to figure out how to keep it out of the hands of minors, and so there are a lot of things that need to be discussed and worked through, ah, as a government to, to make sure that ah, it can be as safe as possible, but I do not support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
May 9, 2018 ~ Republican Governor's Debate on Wood TV

SENATOR PATRICK COLBECK
Well, first let me be clear, I will respect the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box, so if they make it legal, I will respect that will. But I'm telling you I'm personally opposed to it and here's why. Right now I have 31,000 job openings in my District. Um, businesses are still putting drug tests out there for employees. If you're smoking recreational marijuana, you're not going to pass that drug test. And I don't want our government assistance roles to increase. I actually want to get people gainfully employed so they can, um, get a good job and take care of their families. If we go down this route, um, I think we're going to see an increase in our government assistance costs and that's not a road I want to take Michigan down. We finally got our fiscal house in order and this has an opportunity to actually, um, bankrupt our state. It's not a course I'd like to pursue, but we'll make it work no matter what happens.
May 9, 2018 ~ Republican Governor's Debate on Wood TV

LT. GOVERNOR BRIAN CALLEY
I do not support recreational marijuana, but I want to be clear that I will respect a vote of the people. I do support medical marijuana on the other hand. In fact, it's becoming more and more clear that it may have a role to play in defeating the opioid addiction epidemic. But this is an opportunity I think for, for a clear contrast. Bill Schuette led the charge against medical marijuana, even after the will of the voters was decided, and the support was enormous, he still continued to fight against the will of the voters, keeping patients from the medicine that they need. So I think it's important that we all speak up on what we think about this initiative, but when the voters have their say, their will must stand.
May 9, 2018 ~ Republican Governor's Debate on Wood TV

ATTORNEY GENERAL BILL SCHUETTE
I'm opposed to the legalization of marijuana, but ah, I think the citizens across the state will have the opportunity to vote and democracy will prevail. I'm concerned about putting more drugs in the hands of kids and the opioid epidemic that is raging across Michigan and America is real. You know we've — recently we had more prescriptions for opioids than there are people in the State of Michigan. I was at an event in Oakland County last week, I met a woman who shared with me that, that her son had died through ah, ah, opioid overdose and it breaks your heart. And we need to crack down on the pill-mill docs, we need to, you know, crackdown on the heroin dealers that peddle this ah, heroin to those who are in the grip of addiction, and I have an Interdiction Unit at the Department of Attorney General to do just that. President Trump asked me to come to the White House to discuss the issue of ah, opioids and how the federal government and the states can work together. I think that's another reason why President Trump endorsed me as Governor of the State of Michigan.
May 9, 2018 ~ Republican Governor's Debate on Wood TV

EVAN SPACE
1. Do you currently support the use of medical marijuana for people who have debilitating conditions including chronic pain?
Yes.
2. Do you currently support medical marijuana cultivation facilities and provisioning centers?
Yes.
3. Do you currently support the legal cultivation and sales of cannabis to adults that do not have a debilitating medical condition?
Yes.
4. Do you currently support the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol proposal to regulate and tax cannabis for adults over 21?
Yes.
5. Do you support the position that adults 21 and over should have the ability to cultivate cannabis at their residence?
Yes.
6. Do you support the position that people who consume cannabis responsibly should be subjected to employment discrimination?
No.
7. Do you support the position that people who consume cannabis responsibly should be subjected to housing discrimination?
No.
8. Do you support private clubs where people can socially consume cannabis products?
Yes.
9. If Michigan voters legalize cannabis for adults, would you support the expungement of cannabis convictions from people’s criminal record?
Yes.
10. Are there any additional comments you wish to make?
I want to see Michigan become the Pioneer and leading state in responsible legalization. Lets make this an agricultural boom and grow it like corn. Let us Begin “Regrowing Michigan”.

Link to debate:
https://www.clickondetroit.com/…/watch-live-first-michigan-…

 

[Shredder]

It goes to show ya, the guy with the best platform is a guy I've never heard of and probably has a snowballs chance in hell of getting elected. (Evan Space)

Anyone privy to the MI democratic governor hopefuls positions?

 

[BD9]

It goes to show ya, the guy with the best platform is a guy I've never heard of and probably has a snowballs chance in hell of getting elected. (Evan Space)

Anyone privy to the MI democratic governor hopefuls positions?

Gretchen Whitmer and Abdul El - Sayed are the only two Democrats I'm familiar with, and they are both pro-cannabis. Whitmer is a prosecutor (I think), and El Sayed is a doctor.
Now that I think about it, Whitmer was at 'Hash Bash' and the Monroe Street Fair. Seems that she was a featured speaker.

Just Googled Gretchen Whitmer, she's cute! LOL