cannabisnews.com: State Accepts First Application for Marijuana
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State Accepts First Application for Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on April 06, 2009 at 16:00:11 PT
By Charlie Cain, Detroit News Lansing Bureau
Source: Detroit News
Lansing, MI -- Renee Wolfe, a 48-year-old mother of four sons, was at the head of the line today as the state began accepting applications for a program to allow people with "debilitating" medical conditions to use marijuana."This is the coup de grace for me," said the Ann Arbor woman who has battled multiple sclerosis for 30 years. She's also been illegally using marijuana to ease her suffering for just as long.
"Marijuana allows me to eat, allows me to live a fairly normal life," said Wolfe, who used a wheelchair to roll into the Michigan Department of Community Health building where applications are being taken."I'm able to walk better when I smoke," she said.Wolfe was among 55 people who took a chartered bus from a Lansing café to the state office building to pay their $100, file the needed paperwork, including a certificate from a Michigan-licensed physician that they have a medical condition that could be helped through the use of marijuana. Under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Registry, the state will issue picture ID registration cards to those who qualify. The cards, which look like a driver's license, should be in the hands of patients by the end of the month.Backers of the new law estimate that as many as 50,000 Michiganians will register.James McCurtis, spokesman for the state health department, said two or three staffers will process the paperwork."We're taking a wait-and-see approach as to how many will get on the registry," he said.Medical conditions to qualify for the new program include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and Crohn's disease. It also covers those with wasting syndrome, severe and chronic pain or nausea, seizures and persistent muscle spasms.In November, nearly two-thirds of voters decided Michigan should join a dozen other states to allow marijuana use by patients with serious medical problems.Under the law, a registered user can possess up to 2.5 ounces of pot. The law is silent on where they are to obtain the marijuana. But the law makes it clear the state will play no role in making the drug available.Marijuana is illegal under federal law. However, the Obama administration has said federal drug agents won't harass patients given the right to smoke marijuana by a state law.Source: Detroit News (MI)Author: Charlie Cain, Detroit News Lansing BureauPublished: Monday, April 6, 2009Copyright: 2009 The Detroit News Contact: letters detnews.com Website: http://www.detnews.com/ URL: http://drugsense.org/url/clITElMDRelated Articles: Dozens Line Up for Marijuana Cardshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24686.shtmlApproval on Pot Use On The Wayhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24685.shtml
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on April 07, 2009 at 18:15:59 PT
Dankhank
That's really bad.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #17 posted by Dankhank on April 07, 2009 at 17:50:39 PT
worst pot law ..
I vote for Oklahomahttp://norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4558http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4516
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #16 posted by Hope on April 06, 2009 at 22:48:14 PT
In this state...
My experience has been better with calling than writing.They just politely take your request on the phone and tally it, then do nothing.With letters, I always get a snarky response about why I'm wrong. This only happens when it's a drug or marijuana/cannabis legislation request that I write about... and I am polite. On any other issue I've written about, and there have been a few, they were so polite and agreeable.Dang! I'm so disappointed. Two years until the next session!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #15 posted by Hope on April 06, 2009 at 22:40:50 PT
Nest Session?
It's two years until the next session.I can't believe there has been such foot dragging. Well... yes, I can.*sigh*
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #14 posted by Taylor121 on April 06, 2009 at 21:59:28 PT
Hope
It's pretty much impossible for it to become law this year. There isn't a sister bill in the Senate that is moving at the same time and the session is running out. What we are fighting for now is to get a House vote on it to see where support is at. If it won a House vote, it would be on track to winning overall in the next 2 to 3 sessions. It would require an override of Perry's veto.You can of course write/call the committee even if you aren't one of the constituents (I did), but don't expect them to weigh your opinion very much (unless you are one of their constituents, which in the class it is imperative that you call asap). NORML also left a phone # for the clerk of the committee. If nothing else, write politely and ask your state senator to author a sister bill to Dutton's HB 902 next session. To your rep, ask them to co author the bill with Dutton. Remember in 2005, we won a committee vote on this exact bill unanimously. It can happen again if the support is there. It's time to get this through and get it a full house vote. IMO, a committee win again this year would be a big victory. Let's make it happen together so we have a brighter future here in Texas and not so many lives are plagued with a class b when they are just otherwise law abiding marijuana users.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #13 posted by Hope on April 06, 2009 at 21:18:01 PT
Anyone know which state has the harshest
cannabis laws at this point?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #12 posted by Hope on April 06, 2009 at 21:16:19 PT
Thanks Fight_4_Freedom
I worry so much about what happens to people because of these harsh laws. Obviously.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #11 posted by fight_4_freedom on April 06, 2009 at 20:52:05 PT
HB 902
This would be huge if it went through. We need to see some real reform down in Texas. I hope this passes through Hope :)
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #10 posted by fight_4_freedom on April 06, 2009 at 20:48:46 PT
We are definitely soaking this all in
Hash Bash was a blast! Biggest turnout in my 5 years of attending. It was a celebration that nobody will ever forget.Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeGvshCww9QPart 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb-anE8HtI8Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_QGbtC4ABwAt about 5:45 through the second video I appear in the background. lol I'm wearing a gray hash bash shirt with a white long sleeved shirt underneath.(and a red backpack). I'm at the top of the screen behind the speaker.That's little old me :) I've never experienced a vibe like the one I feel at Hash Bash.Love.Compassion.Community.Unity.This life it amazing.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #9 posted by Hope on April 06, 2009 at 20:24:29 PT
HB 902
If your Representative is not on the committee they can't do anything about this can they? It's got to get out of committee before anyone else can vote on it... and isn't it late in the session? Is there a Senate Bill to match it?I was afraid this thing had been stalled in committee. I'm so hope it gets a chance of becoming law.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #8 posted by Hope on April 06, 2009 at 20:19:00 PT
Poll
http://www.parade.com/news/2009/03/how-would-you-change-our-prison-system.htmlHow Would You Change Our Prison System?Several questions to vote on in this poll including at least one pertaining to cannabis... marijuana.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #7 posted by Hope on April 06, 2009 at 20:17:30 PT
Taylor
I wonder why that hasn't shown up on the DPFT list? It seems it should have.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #6 posted by FoM on April 06, 2009 at 20:10:23 PT
fight_4_freedom
It's such an historic time for Michigan. It really is an amazing. Enjoy!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #5 posted by fight_4_freedom on April 06, 2009 at 19:53:57 PT
Historic Day in Michigan
A clip of the advocates, patients, and family turning in their medical marijuana applications.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KvvEXBFkfcWhat a weekend it was :)
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #4 posted by FoM on April 06, 2009 at 19:22:48 PT
Taylor121
I really wish you the best. Good luck to you.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #3 posted by Taylor121 on April 06, 2009 at 19:12:41 PT
HB 902 Hearing in Texas
Always be polite in your letters, phone calls, and appearances. It is counter productive to be rude!Via National NORML:
Support HB 902: Hearing THIS WEDNESDAY!NORML is writing you today with good news from Austin. Members of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence will hear testimony on Wednesday, April 8th, in favor of House Bill 902 -- an act to reduce the penalties for the possession of up to ounce of marijuana to fine-only offense.The hearing is scheduled for 2pm in room E-2028 in the State Capitol Building. Metered parking spots are available near the Capitol, but are limited to a 2 hour maximum. The Capitol Visitors Parking Garage is located at 1201 San Jacinto. Click here for more information on parking.As introduced, HB 902 seeks to amend minor marijuana possession penalties to a Class C misdemeanor -- punishable by a maximum fine of $500, but no jail time. Under current law, marijuana possession is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2000 fine.If enacted, House Bill 902 would ensure that tens of thousands of otherwise law-abiding Texans would no longer be subject to arrest and possible incarceration. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, over 60,000 Texans are arrested on marijuana possession charges annually. Half of these defendants are under 25 years of age. It makes no sense to saddle these young people with a criminal arrest record or to put them in jail.If you have not yet done so, please take a moment today to contact your elected state representative and urge him or her to support HB 902. If your representative sits on the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, then it is especially important that he or she hears from you. For your convenience, a pre-written letter will be e-mailed to your elected officials when you go here:http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12823431You can also leave phone messages for the Committee at: (512) 463-0768.If you wish to attend this hearing or become more involved in statewide marijuana law reform efforts, please visit contact Texas NORML. Thank you for supporting NORML's marijuana law reform efforts in Texas.Sincerely,
The NORML Team
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on April 06, 2009 at 16:21:17 PT
Michiganders Apply for Medical Marijuana Permits
By Dawson Bell, Free Press Staff Writer April 6, 2009 LANSING — A busload of prospective medical marijuana users and their supporters descended on a state office building this morning, seeking to be among the first to apply for permits under Michigan’s new law that permits marijuana use for certain conditions with a doctor’s approval.People associated with the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association submitted about 50 applications. A new office in the Michigan Department of Community Health plans to process the applications.Greg Francisco, director of the marijuana association, said supporters of the new law needed an opportunity to come together and celebrate. James McCurtis Jr., spokesman for the community health department, said it will take two to three weeks to process the applications.Copyright: 2009 Detroit Free PressURL: http://www.freep.com/article/20090406/NEWS06/90406024/Michiganders+apply+for+medical+marijuana+permits
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #1 posted by FoM on April 06, 2009 at 16:13:37 PT
101 Apply For Michigan Medical-Marijuana Program
April 6, 2009LANSING, Mich. -- More than 100 people applied for Michigan's new medical-marijuana program by the end of the registry's first day.The Michigan Department of Community Health said in a statement that 85 applications were received Monday and 16 came in over the weekend for a total of 101.Cards will be issued to those approved for the registry within three weeks.Michigan voters legalized medical marijuana last year. Rules for the program went into effect Saturday. Patients can apply for a state-issued ID card to protect them from arrest for growing and using marijuana to treat pain and other symptoms stemming from ailments such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.A doctor's recommendation is required.Copyright: 2009 by The Associated PressURL: http://www.wnem.com/news/19109536/detail.html
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