Law Michigan MMJ

[momofthegoons]

Today's advisory bulletin from LARA

Cannabidiol (“CBD”) and Industrial Hemp (“Hemp”) Products
Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the marihuana plant. Based on the statutory definitions related to “marihuana” found in the Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978), the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA), and the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA), any extracts of marihuana or extracts of the marihuana plant will continue to be treated as marihuana. The possession, purchase, or sale of marihuana or any marihuana product – including CBD – must be done in compliance with the MMMA and MMFLA.
The cannabis plant has over 100 cannabinoids – one of which is cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoids are most abundant in the flowering tops, resin, and leaves of the cannabis plant and are not found in parts of the cannabis plant that are excluded from the definition of marihuana, except for trace amounts – typically, only parts per million – that may be found where small quantities of resin adhere to the surface of seeds and mature stalk, not within the seeds nor the mature stalk. If cannabidiol is found on the seeds or stalks, it is found only as a result of contact with the resin produced by the cannabis plant.
As defined by Michigan state law, marihuana means:
• all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., growing or not
• the seeds of that plant
• the resin extracted from any part of the plant
• every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of
the plant or its seeds or resin Marihuana does not include:
• the mature stalks of the plant
• fiber produced from the stalks
• oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant
• any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation
of the mature stalks
Hemp is the fiber and seed part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. The term “hemp” is only used in state law as part of the Industrial Hemp Research Act (IHRA). Passed in 2014, the IHRA authorized the growing and cultivating of industrial hemp for research
purposes only. The IHRA authorized the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development or colleges/universities in Michigan to grow or cultivate – or both – industrial hemp for purposes of research. The research must be conducted under an agricultural pilot program or other agricultural or academic research project.
"Industrial hemp" and “Marihuana” are both defined by the Public Health Code as being derived from the plant Cannabis sativa L.
• “Industrial hemp” means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of the plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
• "Marihuana" means all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., growing or not; the seeds of that plant; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds or resin.
Marihuana does not include industrial hemp grown or cultivated (or both) for research purposes under the industrial hemp research act. The Industrial Hemp Research Act limits industrial hemp to cultivation or research and does not authorize its sale or transfer. Any possession or transfer of industrial hemp – or any product claimed to be “hemp”-related – must be done in compliance with Michigan’s Industrial Hemp Research Act.


This advisory bulletin does not constitute legal advice and is subject to change. Licensees are encouraged to seek legal counsel to ensure their operations comply with the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act and associated Emergency Rules.

 

[Baron23]

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."

What a hysterical moron.

 

[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?

I'm not on FB so I don't know if this will work. Here is Evan Space speaking at an event. He starts speaking at the 34 minute mark.

https://www.facebook.com/david.over...YRRNLsdR_JEA5TDIfPuPZuinTSHdeiv4M2Fl9qu94wAow

Ok, the link works.

 

[momofthegoons]

From NORML:

"ACTION ALERT.....
In just 4 short weeks, tens-of-thousands of Michigan patients will be without access to medical cannabis products because emergency rules for the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act call for the closure of ALL unlicensed facilities on June 15, 20018. Hundreds of applications have been submitted to the State, but because the application process is so over regulated, it has become cumbersome and time consuming for the State to process each application causing a severe backlog of applications and no approvals. Governor Rick Snyder has the authority to extend that deadline and make sure that patients have uninterrupted access to medical cannabis products!"

HERE is a link to the NORML website page where you will find an email link to send a letter to Gov. Snyder regarding these closures. I've sent mine.....

 

[momofthegoons]

A copy of the actual Summons and Complaint are at the beginning of the article and can be seen by clicking the title link.

Troy sued over new marijuana ordinance

The City of Troy is being sued after enacting a new ordinance regulating the number of people allowed to grow medical marijuana.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Oakland County Circuit Court by Royal Oak-based Cannabis Legal Group on behalf of several medical marijuana caregivers and one property owner in Troy. It was prompted by Troy’s new regulation – approved unanimously by the city council April 23 – requiring the 78 medical marijuana caregivers who grow cannabis under a special permit to obtain a city license to do so. The city’s stated goal is to license just 36 grow operations per year, though it’s recognized that might not happen right away due to the number of caregivers operating under special permit.

Registered medical marijuana patients who grow cannabis only for themselves to consume in their own homes aren’t required to obtain the license, provided they are in compliance with the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.

But according to Barton Morris, Cannabis Legal Group’s founder, there are several legal issues with Troy’s new regulation.

“I think the ordinance itself is in violation of state law,” Morris said. “Michigan’s MMA allows caregivers to grow anywhere they want. Troy only wants 36 growers? There’s no legal basis for that – you can’t limit the number of caregivers. That makes me laugh.”

The lawsuit further states that the ordinance is invalid because it was enacted without first submitting it to the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals and holding a public hearing, as required by the state’s Zoning Enabling Act. In addition, the ordinance unlawfully adds additional restrictions to the MMMA which prohibits medical marijuana only on school buses, on school grounds and in correctional facilities.

READ THE LAWSUIT: https://www.scribd.com/document/378745189/Medical-marijuana-lawsuit-filed-against-City-of-Troy

Morris also said the ordinance calls for inspections of the licensed grow operations with just a 15-minute notice, which he said violates the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

Required background checks of applicants and disclosure of storage facilities are other problems with the ordinance, Morris said. “That’s very far over-reaching, very intrusive,” he said.

The ordinance, effective May 6, gives 30 days for license applications to be submitted. An emergency motion has been filed to invalidate the ordinance while it’s being litigated.

Morris said.

Funding Cannabis Legal Group’s costs for the lawsuit is the Michigan Marijuana Business Collective of Troy, whose members are affected by the new ordinance. The association also plans to launch charter amendment initiative to force Troy to adopt an ordinance addressing a municipal permit to obtain a marijuana facilities license. Troy has officially opted out of allowing marijuana facilities, as permitted by the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act of 2016.

Troy’s acting city manager Mark Miller declined comment on the lawsuit Wednesday, referring The Oakland Press to the city’s legal counsel. City attorney Lori Grigg Bluhm was unavailable, and assistant city attorney Allan Motzny said he hadn’t yet seen the lawsuit.

 

[Shredder]

Can't we give Oakland county to Ohio?

 

[momofthegoons]

Can't we give Oakland county to Ohio?

That would put me in the same state as my in-laws.... no thank you!

I don't know why Oakland county has to be such a prissy bitch. It's as if the 'powers that be' are in full denial that many of the mmj patients in the state live there.

With the threat of the dispensaries closing down in June I plan on making a few serious dispensary runs prior. Such nonsense. Just one more reason to start growing and squishing for myself.

 

[Baron23]

From NORML:

"ACTION ALERT.....
In just 4 short weeks, tens-of-thousands of Michigan patients will be without access to medical cannabis products because emergency rules for the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act call for the closure of ALL unlicensed facilities on June 15, 20018. Hundreds of applications have been submitted to the State, but because the application process is so over regulated, it has become cumbersome and time consuming for the State to process each application causing a severe backlog of applications and no approvals. Governor Rick Snyder has the authority to extend that deadline and make sure that patients have uninterrupted access to medical cannabis products!"

HERE is a link to the NORML website page where you will find an email link to send a letter to Gov. Snyder regarding these closures. I've sent mine.....

Ah yes, government at work fucking things up yet again.

A copy of the actual Summons and Complaint are at the beginning of the article and can be seen by clicking the title link.

Troy sued over new marijuana ordinance

The City of Troy is being sued after enacting a new ordinance regulating the number of people allowed to grow medical marijuana.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Oakland County Circuit Court by Royal Oak-based Cannabis Legal Group on behalf of several medical marijuana caregivers and one property owner in Troy. It was prompted by Troy’s new regulation – approved unanimously by the city council April 23 – requiring the 78 medical marijuana caregivers who grow cannabis under a special permit to obtain a city license to do so. The city’s stated goal is to license just 36 grow operations per year, though it’s recognized that might not happen right away due to the number of caregivers operating under special permit.

Registered medical marijuana patients who grow cannabis only for themselves to consume in their own homes aren’t required to obtain the license, provided they are in compliance with the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.

But according to Barton Morris, Cannabis Legal Group’s founder, there are several legal issues with Troy’s new regulation.

“I think the ordinance itself is in violation of state law,” Morris said. “Michigan’s MMA allows caregivers to grow anywhere they want. Troy only wants 36 growers? There’s no legal basis for that – you can’t limit the number of caregivers. That makes me laugh.”

The lawsuit further states that the ordinance is invalid because it was enacted without first submitting it to the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals and holding a public hearing, as required by the state’s Zoning Enabling Act. In addition, the ordinance unlawfully adds additional restrictions to the MMMA which prohibits medical marijuana only on school buses, on school grounds and in correctional facilities.

READ THE LAWSUIT: https://www.scribd.com/document/378745189/Medical-marijuana-lawsuit-filed-against-City-of-Troy

Morris also said the ordinance calls for inspections of the licensed grow operations with just a 15-minute notice, which he said violates the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

Required background checks of applicants and disclosure of storage facilities are other problems with the ordinance, Morris said. “That’s very far over-reaching, very intrusive,” he said.

The ordinance, effective May 6, gives 30 days for license applications to be submitted. An emergency motion has been filed to invalidate the ordinance while it’s being litigated.

Morris said.

Funding Cannabis Legal Group’s costs for the lawsuit is the Michigan Marijuana Business Collective of Troy, whose members are affected by the new ordinance. The association also plans to launch charter amendment initiative to force Troy to adopt an ordinance addressing a municipal permit to obtain a marijuana facilities license. Troy has officially opted out of allowing marijuana facilities, as permitted by the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act of 2016.

Troy’s acting city manager Mark Miller declined comment on the lawsuit Wednesday, referring The Oakland Press to the city’s legal counsel. City attorney Lori Grigg Bluhm was unavailable, and assistant city attorney Allan Motzny said he hadn’t yet seen the lawsuit.

And yet another example of our government at work...a government populated with people who just HAVE to tell other people how to live...without necessarily having any competence in that area. Just too sad. I would rather my son become an honest car thief than a politician (but I would prefer him to finish his Physical Therapy post-grad work and get licensed LOL) .

 

[Baron23]

FFS. They are using MMJ to justify having a cannabis SWAT vehicle? Really? And its being paid for by us via MMJ taxes. You got to be kidding me. sigh


'Rapid deployment vehicle' to combat medical marijuana violators in Kent County

The Ford F-59 which the Kent County Sheriff's Office is purchasing to turn into a "rapid deployment vehicle.

KENT COUNTY, MI -- The Kent County Sheriff's Office recently ordered a $175,000 "rapid deployment vehicle" to combat violators of Michigan's medical marijuana law and illegal grow operations.

The specially outfitted Ford F-59 step van will largely be used to deploy tactical teams for drug search warrant raids -- most of which are marijuana-related, according to Kent County Undersheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young.

The bulk of the cost, $118,314 of it, is paid from the state's Michigan Medical Marihuana Operation and Oversight grant, an annual award to law enforcement promoting education, communication and enforcement of the state medical marijuana law.

The remaining $54,812 comes from the county's drug forfeiture fund, according to a purchase proposal unanimously passed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners in March.

Although the grant stipulates some use in medical marijuana enforcement, LaJoye-Young contended the purchase won't result in targeted operations and increased scrutiny of caregivers, cardholders and dispensaries in the county.

"This is not mark a change in our agenda in any way," the undersheriff said. "We don't set an agenda to shake the trees for marijuana grow operations."

The origin of investigations into illegal grow operations and medical marijuana violations are, and continue to be, tips, LaJoye-Young said.

There are 5,153 medical marijuana cardholders in Kent County, according to 2017 state data.

In 2017, the multi-jurisdictional Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted 613 marijuana-related arrests, confiscated 1,238 marijuana plants, seized about 138 pounds of marijuana, dismantled 26 marijuana-growing operations and inspected four medical marijuana facilities, according to the state grant request.

The year before, in late 2016, the Kent County Sheriff's Office caught criticism after they raided three Plainfield Township dispensaries.




Protesters cry foul over medical marijuana dispensary raids

The protest was Friday, Dec. 2

According to the grant request, the sheriff's office expects to see more "large illegal marijuana growing operations/criminal enterprises" across the county in 2018.

"Because of these lengthy and labor-intensive investigations, additional equipment is needed to assist in the investigation, surveillance, raids and dismantling of operations found to be in violation of current laws," the sheriff's office stated in the grant application. "It has been determined that a multi-purpose/rapid deployment vehicle needs to be purchased."

The rapid deployment vehicle is expected to roll out sometime in late 2018 or early 2019. It has a 20-year lifespan, looks like a bread truck and won't have any logos labeling it as a law enforcement vehicle, keeping it nondescript and undercover.

LaJoye-Young said it can carry about 12 officers and all their raid equipment -- communications devices, flashlights, flak jackets, helmets and flashbang grenades.

Having a one-stop shop staging vehicle for raids is a boon, as currently the sheriff's office and Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team require multiple vehicles to transport equipment and officers to a scene.

"In some circumstances we would have multiple passenger vehicles with trunks packed out," LaJoye-Young said. "It takes multiple vehicles to get this equipment up to the area."

 

[momofthegoons]

flak jackets, helmets and flashbang grenades.

Why not just call in the army? This is just so over the top.....

 

[Shredder]

My county had, or maybe still has an ordinance saying growers have to be inspected and registered with the cops. Afaik no one complied. I know I didnt, lol. My personal belief is if a law is blatantly unlawful, imoral, or imho harassment then I resist, or in this case just ignore.

As an amendment to the state constitution, prop one, has precedence over a local ordinance. But local yokels can bluff their way to plea deals to grease the corrupt system. And the disabled suffer as the wheels of justice go round and round.

 

[Baron23]

"Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, said the Democratic caucus wants to let the voters decide the issue."

What a shockingly radical attitude from a politician in our democracy. Seriously, our elected representatives have, time after time, ignored the will of the voters in order to impose their own patronizing and patriarchal views on the body public. FL MMJ program is an outstanding example.

Why anti-marijuana group wants Michigan to legalize weed

One of the groups formed to fight the legalization of marijuana for recreational use has now decided it's for the measure, but only if the Legislature takes it up and amends the proposal.

The Committee to Keep Pot out of Neighborhoods and Schools — a political action committee formed to fight a ballot proposal to legalize marijuana — is now urging the Legislature to take up the initiative, amend it and pass a full legalization of pot for adult recreational use. The committee hopes that if the Legislature acts, recreational use will be regulated as stringently as the medical marijuana industry.

But if the Legislature declines to take it up and the measure goes on the Nov. 6 statewide ballot, the group will revert to opposing the legalization of marijuana again.

More: GOP lawmakers contemplate tying marijuana legalization to income tax cut

More: Michigan approves marijuana legalization vote for November

“This committee was initially formed to defeat the recreational ballot proposal, but now we believe that the Legislature should amend and adopt the initiative before it’s too late,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for the committee. Marijuana legalization “will be a reality in Michigan. Initiatives have been approved in 29 states and polling has been very strong.

“Regardless of our feelings on the issue, the question now is how to regulate and control recreational marijuana."

Republicans in the state Senate are trying to figure out a way to take up the marijuana legalization, in part, to keep it off the November ballot because it’s expected to drive more voters to the polls. Higher turnout traditionally has helped Democrats, which could fuel a blue wave that could jeopardize the GOP’s majority in the state House, Senate, governor’s office and in Congress.

The committee’s only source of funds has come from the Michigan Responsibility Council, a now-defunct group that represented business interests that wanted to get involved in the medical marijuana industry. Republican political consultant Steve Linder, who has been a fundraiser for the Senate Republican Caucus, acted as a spokesman for the Responsibility Council last year.

The effort, Fisk said, is to get the Legislature to amend the proposal so it mirrors the rules and regulations that are in place to govern the medical marijuana industry.

“We think the medical marijuana act that the Legislature passed had bipartisan support,” he said. “And that has a system of accountability that you need to bring to recreational marijuana, too.”

One of the main differences between the medical marijuana regulations and the full legalization proposal is who would hand out licenses. Medical marijuana applications, which are being reviewed now, are approved by a board appointed by the governor and the leaders of the House and Senate.

The ballot proposal would cut out that licensing board and have the state Licensing and Regulatory Affairs department in charge of licensing recreational marijuana businesses.

The ballot proposal also has a higher tax — a 10% excise tax and 6% sales tax — while medical marijuana carries a 3% excise tax and the 6% sales tax. The committee would like to see the same taxes for both recreational and medical marijuana.

Senate Republicans also are exploring ways to convince a wary House of Representatives to take up the measure with some carrots, such as tying the marijuana proposal to a cut in the state’s 4.25% income tax.

But there has been no consensus in the Senate caucus about how or whether to take up marijuana legalization, said Amber McCann, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive.

“Every option that is available has been discussed,” she said. “They’re weeding through all the details right now.”

The Legislature has three options with the marijuana proposal: Do nothing and it goes to the November ballot; offer a competing proposal for the ballot, or take it up, possibly amend it, and it immediately becomes law without having to get a signature from the governor.

Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, said the Democratic caucus wants to let the voters decide the issue.

Fisk said if the Legislature doesn’t come to a consensus to vote on the proposal, “this committee will oppose the ballot initiative” again.

Meanwhile, another group that is opposed to marijuana legalization — Healthy and Productive Michigan — hasn’t changed its position and continues to make presentations to groups around the state on why it believes legalizing marijuana would be harmful to the state.

Along with Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a national organization that has poured $275,000 into the effort to stop legalization in Michigan, the Healthy and Productive group joined with substance abuse prevention activists for a rally at the state Capitol this week.

“We are still 100% against it,” said Scott Greenlee, executive director of Healthy and Productive Michigan. “We don’t think the Legislature should approve it and I don’t think the voters should approve it.”

And the group that spearheaded the petition drive to get the issue on the November ballot also is urging the Legislature to act.

“When even your opposition is arguing in support of marijuana legalization, it is clear that now is the time to end cannabis prohibition in Michigan,” said Josh Hovey, spokesman for the Committee to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. “The Legislature has an opportunity to do the right thing and every day we wait means more unnecessary arrests and lives ruined.”

The Legislature has until June 5 to decide what, if anything, it is going to do with the marijuana proposal.

 

[Baron23]

Wow, their own survey showed that they were on the wrong side of this and actually ended up converting more people to the legalization side. Couldn't happen to a nice bunch of tight ass busy bodies.

Opposition Group’s Marijuana Poll Shows Strong Support for Legalization

A new survey of Michigan voters, funded by an organization opposed to the state’s marijuana legalization initiative, showed large support for reform and weaning support for prohibition.

The survey of 800 Michigan residents, which was conducted from May 1 to May 6, was orchestrated by Healthy and Productive Michigan.

Before being prompted with arguments for and against the initiative—which surpassed the required signatures to qualify for the state’s November ballot last month—respondents favored full cannabis legalization 48 percent to 42 percent, with 11 percent remaining undecided, according to the survey.

Arguments in favor of the proposed initiative, including increased tax revenue for public programs such as education funding and infrastructure, caused opposition to the initiative to drop to 36 percent. Support remained at 48 percent.

And then, even after the polling firm Victory Phones provided arguments opposing the initiative, support for legalization grew by one percent to 49 percent. Opposition ended up at 38 percent.

“Previous polls showing majority support didn’t pass the smell test. When polling, it is always important to review how the questions are asked and what size of audience responds,” Healthy and Productive Michigan’s President Scott Greenlee said in a press release. “Our poll pointed out arguments on both sides of the issue in a consistent and unbiased manner, and the fieldwork was conducted by the highly respected Victory Phones, who have a nearly 10 year track record of accurately measuring election results in Michigan.”

But the truth is that the prohibitionist organization’s poll showed that support for the legalization measure outweighs opposition, and that’s even more true after voters hear prohibitionist’s best arguments.

The share of voters who said they planned to vote against the measure dropped seven percentage points after they were read Healthy and Productive Michigan’s reasons for wanting to defeat it. Support rose one percentage point.

The survey was released just as another anti-legalization group, the Committee to Keep Pot out of Neighborhoods and Schools, did an about-face and called on the Michigan legislature to amend and pass a version of the initiative in order to effectively regulate cannabis. Legalization “will be a reality in Michigan, a spokesperson told the Detroit Free Press.

The proposed Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act would permit adults 21 and older to legally possess, grow and consume small amounts of marijuana. Specifically, adults would be allowed to grow up to 12 total cannabis plants in a single residence, and possess 2.5 ounces outside their homes and store 10 ounces at home.

Healthy and Productive Michigan did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.

See the full poll below:


Poll can be found here: https://www.scribd.com/document/379865002/Michigan-Marijuana-Poll#from_embed

 

[momofthegoons]

There's a short video clip that can't be embedded in the original article.
It's pretty obvious what they're trying to do here. They want to change the terms of the ballot proposal like other states have done. In other words, do what they want instead of honoring the will of the people.

Skubick: Legislators may take legal marijuana decision out of voter hands

LANSING, Mich (WLNS) - There is growing evidence that Michigan voters will not get a chance to vote on legalization of marijuana.

There are indications that, for the first time, negotiations between the House and Senate are underway to have lawmakers approve it instead.

Senate Republican leader Arlan Meekhof continues to quietly push for a House and Senate vote to legalize pot even though the House Republican speaker reports the 55 votes are not there.

"There is only a handful of votes in my caucus to do this," said Speaker of the House Rep. Tom Leonard.

The Speaker now says there might be two dozen plus votes and, even though he is a no vote, it would allow a vote if the count gets to 55.

Republican Senator Mike Shirkey is engaged in talks with Republican Representative Lee Chatfield, who was on the Senate floor today on this issue.

"We've been talking openly with House members making sure they understand what the constitutional obligations are," said Sen. Shirkey. "We won't throw in the towel until the last dog dies."

House members will be told that if they don't vote to legalize pot and the voters approve it in November, than any changes the lawmakers want to make will take over 80 votes to do.

Mr. Chatfield thinks it might be better for lawmakers to make the changes now when only 55 votes are required.

"I think it's important that we have a framework in place to regulate marijuana and see what other states have done and amend it if necessary, as the peoples' chamber moving forward," said Rep. Chatfield. "That's the best way to deal with these sorts of issues."

The two Republicans don't have much time left to resolve this but if they do Michigan voters won't get a chance to legalize pot.

 

[Shredder]

There's a short video clip that can't be embedded in the original article.
It's pretty obvious what they're trying to do here. They want to change the terms of the ballot proposal like other states have done. In other words, do what they want instead of honoring the will of the people.

Skubick: Legislators may take legal marijuana decision out of voter hands

LANSING, Mich (WLNS) - There is growing evidence that Michigan voters will not get a chance to vote on legalization of marijuana.

There are indications that, for the first time, negotiations between the House and Senate are underway to have lawmakers approve it instead.

Senate Republican leader Arlan Meekhof continues to quietly push for a House and Senate vote to legalize pot even though the House Republican speaker reports the 55 votes are not there.

"There is only a handful of votes in my caucus to do this," said Speaker of the House Rep. Tom Leonard.

The Speaker now says there might be two dozen plus votes and, even though he is a no vote, it would allow a vote if the count gets to 55.

Republican Senator Mike Shirkey is engaged in talks with Republican Representative Lee Chatfield, who was on the Senate floor today on this issue.

"We've been talking openly with House members making sure they understand what the constitutional obligations are," said Sen. Shirkey. "We won't throw in the towel until the last dog dies."

House members will be told that if they don't vote to legalize pot and the voters approve it in November, than any changes the lawmakers want to make will take over 80 votes to do.

Mr. Chatfield thinks it might be better for lawmakers to make the changes now when only 55 votes are required.

"I think it's important that we have a framework in place to regulate marijuana and see what other states have done and amend it if necessary, as the peoples' chamber moving forward," said Rep. Chatfield. "That's the best way to deal with these sorts of issues."

The two Republicans don't have much time left to resolve this but if they do Michigan voters won't get a chance to legalize pot.

More important than ever to vote the bastards out. I've already have itchy ballot fingers, lol.

 

[Baron23]

There's a short video clip that can't be embedded in the original article.
It's pretty obvious what they're trying to do here. They want to change the terms of the ballot proposal like other states have done. In other words, do what they want instead of honoring the will of the people.

Skubick: Legislators may take legal marijuana decision out of voter hands

LANSING, Mich (WLNS) - There is growing evidence that Michigan voters will not get a chance to vote on legalization of marijuana.

There are indications that, for the first time, negotiations between the House and Senate are underway to have lawmakers approve it instead.

Senate Republican leader Arlan Meekhof continues to quietly push for a House and Senate vote to legalize pot even though the House Republican speaker reports the 55 votes are not there.

"There is only a handful of votes in my caucus to do this," said Speaker of the House Rep. Tom Leonard.

The Speaker now says there might be two dozen plus votes and, even though he is a no vote, it would allow a vote if the count gets to 55.

Republican Senator Mike Shirkey is engaged in talks with Republican Representative Lee Chatfield, who was on the Senate floor today on this issue.

"We've been talking openly with House members making sure they understand what the constitutional obligations are," said Sen. Shirkey. "We won't throw in the towel until the last dog dies."

House members will be told that if they don't vote to legalize pot and the voters approve it in November, than any changes the lawmakers want to make will take over 80 votes to do.

Mr. Chatfield thinks it might be better for lawmakers to make the changes now when only 55 votes are required.

"I think it's important that we have a framework in place to regulate marijuana and see what other states have done and amend it if necessary, as the peoples' chamber moving forward," said Rep. Chatfield. "That's the best way to deal with these sorts of issues."

The two Republicans don't have much time left to resolve this but if they do Michigan voters won't get a chance to legalize pot.

More important than ever to vote the bastards out. I've already have itchy ballot fingers, lol.

I'm wit' youse guys...throw dem' bums out. Taking away the electorates prerogative is exactly what they are planning.

 

[momofthegoons]

Well... it would appear that we patients in Michigan have been given a reprieve and the dispensaries will stay open another 3 months.....

LARA Extends June 15th Deadline for Medical Marihuana License Applicants

May 30, 2018 – The Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has issued new emergency administrative rules to continue the implementation of the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA). To help ensure the continued protection of medical marihuana patients, under the new rules, proposed medical marihuana facilities that would otherwise require a state operating license under the MMFLA may continue to operate with local approval until September 15, 2018 without impacting the applicant’s eligibility for licensure.
“Extending the deadline to September 15th will make sure that this law is implemented correctly and assure that potential licensees are thoroughly reviewed. It is important that we ensure that medical marihuana patients have continued access to their medicine,” said LARA Director Shelly Edgerton.
Applicants who turned in their state application by the February 15th deadline – and are making a good-faith effort to become licensed – had faced a deadline of June 15, 2018 to shut down or risk continued activity being considered an impediment to licensure by the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board (MMLB). This 92-day extension will allow the bureau and the board enough time to investigate and authorize facility operator licenses in order to make sure that access to medical marihuana is maintained.
The new emergency rules also include clarifying language regarding safety testing standards that LARA has previously disseminated through technical advisories.
Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder and effective today, these rules will remain in effect for six months.
It is important for applicants to remember that LARA’s emergency administrative rules require those operating under the temporary operation rule (number 19) to cease operation if they have not been issued a license by September 15, 2018, as any operation after that date is considered unlicensed activity.
Ultimately, licensure decisions will be made by the members of the MMLB, who may choose to consider unlicensed activity as part of the licensing criteria when deliberating on the overall application. Until a license is received from the state, the operation of a proposed medical marihuana facility should be considered a business risk by the operator. Noncompliance will be grounds for disciplinary action and referral to law enforcement for unlicensed activity.
For more information on BMMR, please visit: www.michigan.gov/bmmr
For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/michiganLARA

 

[momofthegoons]

Boy are they ever spinning it...... I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Marijuana vote on legalization in Michigan expected next week

(WJBK) - Lawmakers could vote early next week to legalize pot, thus taking the issue out of the hands of Michigan voters in November, according to some legislators.

A pro-pot coalition wants Michigan voters to decide the issue in November. But for the first time the senate GOP leader reports he has the votes to legalize pot without a vote of the people.

"I have the ability in the Senate to pass the petition and amend it," said Republican Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof.

Meekhof wants to amend the proposal to place more controls on the production, distribution and sale of pot. But are there 55 House votes to do get this through?

"We are well short of support there," said House Speaker Tom Leonard (R). "I don't anticipate this happening, the voters are going to have to decide this."

"I think (the chance is better) than people think," Meekhof said.

Democratic candidate for governor gretchen whitmer wants this issue on the ballot, hoping young voters will vote on pot and then vote for her.

"If that's on the ballot I think that does inspire some people to come out to vote," she said. "That is not my primary concern. It is insuring that the will of the people is respected."

A leader of the pro pot effort believes that Meekhof is pushing this vote allegedly on behalf of some business interests who want to monopolize the pot business.

The House Democratic leader can't confirm that but adds this:

"Part of the reason this is being pushed is that some well connected donors perhaps are having conversations and move this forward," Sam Singh (D) said. "Instead of letting the voters make a decision and that is the best policy for the state."

"That's not true," Meekhof said. "Not any part of it. This is public policy that is very bad for Michigan."

Look for this legalized pot issue to come to a head early next week.

 

[Baron23]

More of the same. This is all about politicians not wanting to lose control and is not at all about honoring the democratic principles that are the bedrock of America and distinguishes us from all other countries in the world.

So, people from MI.....as far as the politicians go....fuck em before they get a chance to fuck you. Fuck em at the polls, in letters to the editor, in emails and letters to your representatives, and in any other way you can.

These guys disgust me and their BS justifications for what they are trying are even worse.


Michigan Republicans could vote to legalize recreational marijuana next week

LANSING, MI - Michigan lawmakers could vote to legalize recreational marijuana next week instead of sending it to the ballot under a plan being forwarded by Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive.

"I'm proposing that we adopt it and amend it and put it right under the (medical) marijuana law and regulate it," Meekhof said Thursday.

He has the votes in the Senate, he said, and is working with other lawmakers in the House to get around the opposition of House Speaker Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt.

Legalizing recreational marijuana hasn't always been a priority for Republicans. But a citizen-led ballot initiative called Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has gathered enough signatures to get the marijuana legalization law they've crafted onto a statewide ballot, where polling suggests the issue would be popular among Michigan voters.

But first, it goes to the state legislature. By Tuesday lawmakers are poised to either act as Meekhof has suggested or not act, which would send the issue to the statewide ballot.

So why the potential legislative pot legalization?

As proposed, the initiative would legalize and regulate marijuana for recreational use. Those over 21 could use marijuana, but would still be unable to consume it in a public place or drive under the influence.

Lawmakers have concerns about the proposal, though, and laws approved by voters are difficult for the legislature to amend. Per the constitution, it takes a three-fourths vote of the state legislature, while regular laws can be amended with a simple majority.

While Republicans have a majority in both chambers, they don't have a three-quarters majority, and Democratic leaders aren't willing to circumvent the voters on this issue.

That's part of the calculus for Meekhof, who served in the legislature as it grappled with how to amend the medical marijuana law voters approved in 2008. The citizen-written law had vagueness that resulted in court cases, uneven enforcement across the state, and, eventually, legislative changes. This time he sees an opportunity for the legislature to make changes earlier.

"It's just bad public policy for Michigan as was the 2008 ballot initiative, and it took us almost 10 years to get that under control. And I think we should do it now, so we can amend it by simple majority," Meekhof said.

The reason he thinks it's bad policy, he said, is a lack of regulation. But that's not the case, said Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol spokesman Josh Hovey. In drafting the proposal, he said, backers looked to the medical marijuana regulatory scheme the legislature enacted in 2016.

"We used that 2016 framework to draft our initiative, and we followed it very, very closely," Hovey said.

The proposal requires businesses to be licensed by the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and allows local communities to regulate where and when marijuana establishments can be open.

Hovey said if the legislature does adopt the proposal, it shouldn't be with the intent of changing it immediately.

"We're happy for the legislature to adopt our initiative as written. But we have a strong position that it doesn't need to be changed right away," Hovey said.

The group formed to oppose the ballot proposal, meanwhile, Committee to Keep Pot Out of Neighborhoods and Schools, is now supporting the adopt-and-amend route. Doing so could make better policy, said spokesman Mark Fisk in a press release, and avoid replicating issues observed in other states that have legalized.

"Lawmakers have a unique opportunity to right a wrong before it happens and learn from the painful experience of Colorado where drug cartels are setting up shop in neighborhoods," Fisk said in a press release.

Democratic leaders, however, aren't supportive of the adopt-and-amend route. He's from Flint, a city that suffered a water crisis under an emergency manager - a situation made possible after citizens struck down the emergency manager law, but lawmakers passed a similar one anyway. He sees parallels in this situation.

"They're assuming it's going to pass, and they're trying to circumvent that will of the voters," Ananich said.

He wants to see it go to the ballot, where people can have a say on the issue.

The adopt-and-amend proposal is also opposed by Leonard, the House Speaker. Though he doesn't support it, he pledges not to stand in the way if the rest of his caucus does.

"I personally do not support it, but I've been very clear that if the 55 votes are there we will put it up and we will give it a vote," Leonard said.

That said, he's not expecting it to pass.

"Some folks have said that there is momentum building for those that want to get it passed. I would liken that to the person that purchases five lottery tickets instead of one lottery ticket. I don't anticipate it happening. The support is not there," Leonard said.

The legislature, if it chooses to act, must do so by Tuesday. If both chambers pass the legislation, it remains fully in the legislative domain. If the chambers don't both act, it goes to the ballot, where Michigan citizens can vote on in in the Nov. 6, 2018 election.

 

[momofthegoons]

More of the same... There's a short news clip video in the original article that can't be imbedded. Follow the link if you want to see it.

My hope is that the vote goes to the people.



Michigan legislators can't decide on marijuana proposal
Much of the country has joined Boehner's transformation, including 29 states that have legalized medical marijuana with nine of those states also approving pot for adult recreational use.

MACKINAC ISLAND — From being adamantly opposed to cannabis to becoming an advisor to one of the country’s leading marijuana companies, former U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner weighed in on legal weed Thursday during the Mackinac Policy Conference.

“I’ve found myself in the last 10 years looking at issues differently than I used to, especially in the last 4-5 years, since the number of people that I know using cannabis in some form to relieve some medical issues has grown,” he said. “So, I got into looking into medical benefits of cannabis and it’s really pretty incredible.”

Former U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner at the Mackinac Policy Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. (Photo: Kathleen Gray/Detroit Free Press)

“And for those who want to use it recreationally, while I’ve never used the product nor intend to, I don’t care if somebody wants to smoke a joint. Fine, let them go do it,” added Boehner, who has joined the board of Acreage Holdings, a New York-based company that has marijuana growing, processing and retail facilities in 11 states.

Much of the country has joined Boehner’s transformation, including 29 states that have legalized medical marijuana with nine of those states also approving pot for adult recreational use.

And Michigan may be the next to fully legalize marijuana if voters approve a ballot proposal on the issue during the Nov. 6 general election.

The likelihood that the issue will end up on the ballot became much higher this week as the Legislature is waffling on whether to take up the issue or send it to the ballot.

While Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive, said he has enough votes in his Republican caucus to amend and pass the proposal, Speaker of the House Tom Leonard, R-Dewitt Township, said the votes aren’t there yet in the House.

“Folks have talked about the building momentum for this and I would compare that to a person who has bought five lottery tickets versus one lottery ticket,” Leonard said. “There is simply not the support there now. So, I do not anticipate this happening. This is something the voters are going to have to decide.”

Nearly all the Democrats in the Legislature stand in opposition to the Legislature taking up the measure because they fear Republicans will change it so drastically that it would no longer resemble anything near the intent of the original proposal.

Their resistance was only strengthened last week when Sen. Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, who is in line to become Senate majority leader next year if he wins reelection and Republicans maintain a majority in the chamber, said his preference would be to amend the proposal so that marijuana wouldn’t become legal until the federal government changes its stance and transitions marijuana from an illegal to a legal drug.

“What I would do is make it mirror what we’ve done for medical marijuana in a very rigorous regulatory setting,” he said during the WKAR-TV public television show “Off The Record." “I would go further and put enactment delays in it so it won’t be enacted until the federal government decriminalizes it.”

Meekhof has said that language would not be included in any amended proposal, but Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, isn’t so sure.

“Sen Shirkey says his scheme is to adopt and repeal it and it looks like his plot is coming to fruition,” he said.

And House Minority Leader Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, said voters, not lawmakers, are the ones who should decide the marijuana legalization issue.

“It was very clear that the Republican goal is to gut the initiative,” he said. “I’d rather have this go to a vote of the people and have them make the final decision rather than have Republicans play games with what is a legitimate petition.”

The Legislature has until Tuesday afternoon to act on the ballot proposal and it has three options: come up with a competing proposal and both would go to the ballot; pass it and then amend it; or do nothing and it heads to the ballot.

Meekhof said he still has hopes that the Senate and House can come up with a plan to amend and adopt, even though he hates the thought of Republicans being tagged as the party that legalized marijuana in Michigan.

If the House can’t come up with the votes, “it would be a colossal failure of leadership,” he said.

Also part of the calculation for Republicans is the impact a ballot proposal on marijuana would have on voter turnout. The issue is expected to increase voter turnout, which traditionally has helped Democrats, and if a predicted "blue wave" year happens, the GOP could lose its majority status at least in the state House and some of the statewide offices.

Senate Republicans want to take up the ballot proposal so they can amend and pass the proposal with only a simple majority, Meekhof said. If they try to amend the proposal after it passes in a statewide vote, it would take a three-fourths super majority.

“It’s very important for our communities to know that alcohol is regulated, tobacco is regulated and if this goes to the ballot and passes, it’s basically unregulated marijuana in the market and I think that’s dangerous for our communities,” Meekhof said. “This is really bad public policy. It puts local control at risk and that’s unfortunate.”

The ballot proposal has the state Department of Licensing and Regulation govern and license the recreational marijuana market, while the medical marijuana industry is controlled by a licensing board appointed by the governor and the leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate. And under the ballot proposal, communities would have to vote to opt-out of allowing recreational marijuana businesses in their community, while under the medical marijuana law, communities have to vote to opt-in to let those businesses in their towns.

The ongoing debate came on a day when the Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Board met to consider 19 applications for businesses that want to get into a market that is estimated to produce $700 million a year in sales. Of the 19, 12 were approved and seven were denied because of a variety of non-disclosure issues. The 24 approvals given so far this year, however, have only been preliminary pre-qualifications for marijuana businesses. No licenses have been awarded yet by the state.