cannabisnews.com: Patients Oppose Strict Rules for Medical Marijuana Patients Oppose Strict Rules for Medical Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on January 03, 2009 at 06:32:24 PT By Theresa McClellan, The Grand Rapids Press Source: Grand Rapids Press Grand Rapids, MI -- George Wagoner does not smoke marijuana, but he has seen firsthand the benefits it offered his late wife while she battled ovarian cancer.While he cannot attend Monday's public hearing in Lansing on the proposed rules for those receiving medical marijuana, the 74-year-old retired obstetrician from Manistee wants state officials to know how important it is to make it available as a medicine. "It's reasonable to have rules and, if we are a compassionate society, we should have a mechanism where legitimate producers can provide the medicine to those who need it," said Wagoner from his Florida home.The Michigan Department of Community Health will hold a hearing at 9 a.m. Monday on the rules to carry out the medical marijuana proposal that was passed by voters in November. The rules take effect April 9.A group of Lansing-area patients is expected to attend the hearing to argue the draft rules impose restrictions on medical marijuana users that exceed the department's authority, said Karen O'Keefe, director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project."Among the rules considered problematic are requirements that patients or caregivers submit written inventory reports of medical marijuana they grow, that all medical marijuana -- not just plants -- be kept in an enclosed, locked facility, and a definition of public use that would make it illegal for patients to use medical marijuana in their own homes with the curtains open," O'Keefe said.Wagoner said marijuana gave his wife -- who died in 2007 -- some relief from the violent nausea resulting from her chemotherapy."This is just an effective medicine, and we need to stop harassing people who will benefit from it," he said.PUBLIC HEARING:Comment is invited by the Michigan Department of Community Health on rules regarding medical marijuana.When: 9 a.m. MondayWhere: State's Secondary Complex, General Office Building, 7150 Harris Drive, Conference Room A, in LansingSource: Grand Rapids Press (MI)Author: Theresa McClellan, The Grand Rapids Press Published: Friday, January 02, 2009Copyright: 2009 Grand Rapids PressContact: pulse grpress.comWebsite: http://www.mlive.com/grpress/Related Articles:Implementation of Michigan's Marijuana Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24332.shtmlHow Will Medical Marijuana Program Work?http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24325.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #15 posted by fight_4_freedom on January 10, 2009 at 21:18:35 PT Here is video of the hearing in Lansing Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW7rkv8u5QcPart 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYfVmK1PmQMPart 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2miKs6vxjMI believe there is almost three hours of video in there, so the whole thing is kind of lengthy. But it is certainly interesting. So if you're bored, it will keep you occupied. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on January 05, 2009 at 17:56:05 PT fight_4_freedom I'm sorry you didn't get to go but it seems they had a good turnout. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by fight_4_freedom on January 05, 2009 at 17:31:05 PT I didn't end up making it to the hearing and meeting this morning. My ride decided he didn't want to be seen on tv or on the internet so he decided not to attend. Which pretty much left me without a way there. And I don't trust my car enough to drive 2 hours away from here.I hope I can at least make it to my MINORML meeting this saturday. Looks like there was a good turnout. Thanks to all who attended and spoke out. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by ekim on January 05, 2009 at 12:56:00 PT thank you everyone happy new year to all [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on January 04, 2009 at 20:21:49 PT fight_4_freedom I really appreciate it. We have had 8 years of this administration and we know what it's policy on marijuana reform has been. I look forward to a whole new beginning. One thing I believe is it will be totally different then this past administration. We have busy and interesting times ahead. Soon we will know who the Drug Czar will be and where we are headed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by fight_4_freedom on January 04, 2009 at 17:49:12 PT I was happy to see that as well FoM So I'm sure you will now see your website hits jump up a little ;) [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by Hope on January 04, 2009 at 07:26:38 PT Ekim Hope your Mom has a speedy recovery. She and your family are in my prayers. I know people suffer terrible pain and disfigurement from shingles, but, also, that it can get better. May that be soon for your Mom. She's already blessed with a family that cares. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on January 04, 2009 at 07:06:14 PT fight_4_freedom That makes my day. I really appreciate it. I hope all goes well in Michigan for you and all the people who voted for medical marijuana. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by fight_4_freedom on January 03, 2009 at 21:25:23 PT MMMA Site FoM- I just thought You'd like to know that there is a link to C-News on the front page of our site. I guess the people running the MMMA know the right place to get Cannabis News!http://www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by fight_4_freedom on January 03, 2009 at 21:19:58 PT It's looking like I will be attending on Monday I am really looking forward to it. They are expecting a big crowd of activists and patients to attend. This will be an excellent way to get to know local patients and activists and at the same time a great way to meet up with all my fellow MINORML members :)I will take lots of pictures and I'm sure I'll receive lots of information.I'm sure there will be a better time to meet in the future. Like, maybe, Hash Bash for instance???? It's not too far away :) [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by fight_4_freedom on January 03, 2009 at 21:11:14 PT I am so sorry Ekim I don't really know much about Shingles, but I know it doesn't sound good. I hope your Mom gets well soon. She will certainly be in my prayers. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on January 03, 2009 at 15:12:27 PT Ekim I'm sorry. I wish your Mom a speedy recovery. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by ekim on January 03, 2009 at 15:01:25 PT F4F no i can not make it i hope you can, thanks for all you are doing.we are taking care of my Mom she just has been hit hard with a bad case of the shingles in the head and mouth.not to worry seems that everything works out -- [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by fight_4_freedom on January 03, 2009 at 14:07:49 PT Ekim Will you be attending???? I would most certainly like to meet you. I'm 75% sure I'm going as of now but it's not a guarantee yet. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by ekim on January 03, 2009 at 11:28:51 PT meet and greet after MDCH Hearing on January 5th at Gone Wired Cafe in Lansing approximately 1 hour after the MDCH hearinghttp://www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/node/143 [ Post Comment ] Post Comment