Michigan voters approve controversial medical marijuana proposal
Michigan voters approve controversial medical marijuana proposal Save Email Print
Posted: 2:06 AM Nov 5, 2008
 Last Updated: 1:58 PM Nov 6, 2008
 Reporter: Sarah Platt
Email Address: sarah.platt@wndu.com
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Voters in Michigan have spoken their minds on a controversial proposal on the state ballot.

Michigan approved the use of marijuana for the severely ill. A large percentage of voters were in favor of the proposal to legalize medical marijuana.

Opponents of the proposal are expressing disappointment, while supporters are celebrating. They say they won by a pretty generous margin.

Diane Byrum is with the Coalition for Compassionate Care, one of the main groups behind this proposal. She says legalizing medical marijuana is good news for patients in the state of Michigan. Byrum insists marijuana has a strong health benefit for people in chronic pain, as well as for cancer patients.

The proposal allows patients to buy, grow, and use small amounts of pot -- with a doctor's prescription.

Meantime, opponents say this law is bad news. Newscenter 16 spoke with some people in law enforcement who are concerned that this proposal will be misused. They fear it will encourage drug problems in the state of Michigan.

"What we have to do in law enforcement is strictly enforce the law as it's passed, make sure we keep marijuana out of hands of people that aren't supposed to have it," explains Milt Agay, Police Chief for Berrien Springs/Oronoko Township.

"I'm disappointed because I think the proponents of this proposal have perpetrated a fraud on the citizens. I think they preyed on sympathies for individuals who are sick," says Arthur Cotter, Berrien County Prosecutor.

Michigan now joins 12 other states that have similar medical marijuana laws on the books. After all the paperwork is complete, this law will likely be implemented by early May.
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Posted by: reta Location: michigan on Nov 11, 2008 at 10:12 PM
i am very glad that medical merajawana i am vry sick i have lups diabetic neropathy acid reflux paggets very pain ful in the bone osteoperos spinehernias arithis all through my body i take 800mg of morphine so i hope that i am able to get it i know that i will sill have to take my meds but mayebe i an feel better and be able to do some thing with my grand children i have been in pain so long i dont even remem be what is like not to have it i cant do anything all i do is si t in my chair and watch life go by i could not even go to my grandsom birth day party he was two pray that the dr will have mercy on me thanks for listing to me bless to all of you reta
Posted by: Scott watkins Location: Fountain, MI on Nov 10, 2008 at 01:03 AM
I am a 40 year old male, and I suffer from chronic muscle spasms and soreness constantly. I have been on pain medication for almost 8 years. I started with 500mg Vicadin, 2 a day. My tolerance continued to increase until I was taking 2 10mg Methadone a day. I am unable to work, and I do not get disablity, nor am I on assistance. I see doctors at the University of Michigan hospital, and was told that I have a protein marker in my blood that signifies muscle damage. The amount in my blood is up to 20 times higher than normal. My father has Dermatomyocytis (hope that's right), and I was tested for it (by deep muscle biopsy) in my leg. The result was negative, and now I am seeing a neurogenetic specialist. The doctors have told me that they know something is wrong, but they do not know what. I am so sick of pain pills, but I have leg cramps, rhomboid spasms, severe torticolis, and have tried everything. Marijuana relaxes me and allows me to live closer to normal than any "legal" medicine
Posted by: Anonymous Location: South Bend on Nov 8, 2008 at 06:44 PM
I think that weed should be legalized. You rarely here of people committing crimes,driving under the influence that sorta thing because they were high. For most it relaxes them. I used to smoke. I think that the Government would make entirely more money on taxing and legalizing with then they spend on trying to stop it. I don't believe that it is a gate way drug, I ever tried anything else nor did I want too. I think that they should put more of their energy into the crack, cocaine, and the meth labs. Meth is taking over this country and young kids.
Posted by: kc9ixv Location: awesome news! on Nov 6, 2008 at 11:13 AM
this is great news and im happy for you guys up there. the war on drugs is a lost cause and they know it thats why they are dealing the drugs "government" by the way with the marijuana being illegal and the government teaching kids that its as bad as the hard drugs causes marijuana to possibly be a gateway drug. a teenager skokes some pot and then realizes its not bad and then since they was lied to by the system they decide hey all drugs are harmless. can you understand the war on drugs makes more problems than it solves. a excellent dvd i recommend for everyone to watch is ' american drug war america's last white hope ' this will explain why the war on drugs will never end. also you will see cia and dea agents telling the truth about how they was ordered to ship in cocaine etc etc. oxycontin is good stuff but addictive as hell and yes it will kill your liver and more i have seen this first hand. who are we to say alcahol,cigarettes,prescriptions are ok but not pot? hypocrits !!!
Posted by: Todd Location: SB on Nov 6, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I like how people seem to have no problem with all the synthetic drugs that are crammed down our throats. Why is it ok if someone who has erectile disfunction to be able to get the medication they need? But a person who is seriously/terminally ill is not able to recieve a drug that they need and will make their life a lil better? If a person has a bad day everyonce in a while, they can A. go buy some alcohol, B. pay a Dr. to prescribe them a "happy pill." I agree with GK, you have to be absolutely ignorant. What HUMANBEING would deny proper medical treatment to someone who is desperate need? That is what those that oppose this bill would want to happen. They rather have a person on Oxy or other manufactured drugs that have so many more bad side affects than Pot. What sense does that make? Its funny how those that oppsed this bill have not offered any legitmate reason why many manufactured drugs are better than marijuana. Instead they can only point flaws in spelling. Quite profound!
Posted by: what is he talking about Location: home on Nov 6, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Mr/Mrs. Not a Pot Head, If you had one ounce of sense I would actually agree with you about the lack of judgement some have used in there posts. As a physician I would recommend that you read up on the studies of marijuana. It has never caused any decrease in brain cells. What marijuana will do is to clog the synaptic gaps in the brain causing a decrease in input thus making you lose that information. The Medical reasons for approval are there regulation will be the key.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 6, 2008 at 05:30 AM
I think this is a great idea, My best friend had gastric cancer and she said it helped her by eliminating nausea so she could eat. The pill form Marinol was not helpful to her. She dies within a years time. So if Maijuana helped helped and will help others give it to them.
Posted by: Not a Pothead on Nov 5, 2008 at 10:18 PM
I just have to laugh when I read some of these posts that are all for making marijuana legal for everyone. Your spelling, train of thought, and your reasoning are all horrendous! Everyone knows that marijuana depletes brain cells, and your comments on here prove it. Only in the most serious of medical circumstances should marijuana ever be considered.
Posted by: Darryl Bohac Location: NORTH JUDSON,IN on Nov 5, 2008 at 05:58 PM
WHAT IS SO HORABLE ABOUT MEDICAL MARAWANA USE? I TRIED IT YEARS AGO. I'M NOW 65, I'M NO DRUGEE, I'M A RET. ALCIHOLIC, USED IT TO SOME DEGREE IN THE 80'S, I WOULD RATHER USE WEED THEN ALCIHOL. THE DUMMIES WHO ARE AGAINST THIS HAVE NEVER TRIED IT, ARE TOTALLY AFRAID IT'S GOING TO TOTALLY RUIN ALL LIFES, ARE FULL OF IT. I GET SICK OF HEARING THEASE PEOPLE! IT IS GOOD MEDICALLY FOR SOME PEOPLE, LIKE PROSTITUTION, IT'S THERE ANYWAY, USE IT, DE-CRIMALIZE SMALL AMOUNTS.PUT THIS ON THE AIR, USE MY NAME. LIKE I SAID I'M 65 & STILL HERE, OR IT THAT A MIRACLE? OR SHAMEFUL, & I AM NOT ASHAMED, METH--- YES,YES, YES!!! GO GET IT !!! DARRYL BOHAC
Posted by: GK Location: SB on Nov 5, 2008 at 05:44 PM
Michigander, how many people are getting their scrips refilled even though they no longer need the drugs and turn around sell them? You have to be seriously ignorant to think that has not been going on for years and years already with legal ones. It is just as easy to find a Dr. to prescribe you any legal drug out there if you have the money. As for the concern about people driving around under the influence, think of how many pill heads are out there on the streets right now. Since they are legal that is taken for granted and extremely undetectable. They are out there, everyday. People see no problem with a housewife or any person for that matter getting prescribed Zanex because they get a lil stressed out everyonce in a while. Its legal so its ok. No it is not. Those folks are no different than the recreational pot smoker. I hope the medication goes to those who are in sever need of it. Yes those that abuse the scrips make it more expensive for those that really need it.
Posted by: Jade Location: Niles on Nov 5, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Woooo hoooo!!! No more addictive opiates that leave me feeling miserable! Now i can have something natural that wont kill me, and that will help my pain more effectively, and now most of all... i will be able to use this medicine LEGALLY! Thank God there is still some sanity left in this country ;)...
Posted by: usedtotoke Location: sw Mich on Nov 5, 2008 at 05:33 PM
To Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 at 11:20 AM. I'll bet you believe all of the old propaganda movie "reefer madness". You need to get your facts straight.
Posted by: mike Location: Michigan on Nov 5, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Its about time medical marijuana is legalized!!! Pot helps out so many people that have serious diseases. I dont consider pot to be a drug. God put it on earth for a reason and that is to help people out with their problems either it be serious such as cancer and so on or just for pain. those who oppose it can cry like little babies cuz its approved and its one step foward for people who need it!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 at 05:07 PM
So... when will be decriminalizing marijuana completely? Let's get it on!
Posted by: Pat Location: Shenandoah on Nov 5, 2008 at 04:59 PM
It's like the ladies on The Andy Griffith Show, who used moonshine for medicinal purposes only. Oh well, it is a natural plant. What is next to legalize?
Posted by: Neuroscientist Location: Michigan on Nov 5, 2008 at 04:49 PM
For all those absolutely losing it: Alcohol is a MUCH more dangerous drug than marijuana, so we don't we outlaw that too? I don't smoke marijuana and I also don't care who does. It has been clearly proven that marijuana is NOT a "gateway drug," and that excess alcohol much more clearly impairs your driving ability than marijuana. The one major concern relating to marijuana is that it increases the risk of lung cancer by 3 times; however, this is not significantly greater than smoking a cigarette. Read a book, or at least a study, before you submit an uniformed opinion or vote. I would be willing to be that the people seriously upset about this are the same one's that think abortion and gay rights are the issues that are really bringing this country down. Give me a break!
Posted by: Michigander Location: Michigan on Nov 5, 2008 at 04:27 PM
I for one voted against it..and think this country is going to pot anyway.Just read some of these comments.How many of these ill patients will be out selling on the side to make ends meet when their SS won't pay their bills.You'll see alot of them driving new mercedes w/ plates that read.."Dooby-Dooby Do!
Posted by: Proud Location: Michigan on Nov 5, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Hey Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 at 11:20 AM..I also resent being called an idiot. Maybe you should move to another cave or sandhill to stick your head in... I don't have to smoke the stuff to make a responsible decision about it being used as any other prescription drug. If you strictly want it to remain illegal, then why not make all drugs illegal, because our law enforcement officials don't have anything better to do than chase down individuals on Prozac, Vicodin, Viagra, Prednisone, etc... Get the picture??? I'd frankly rather see them concentrate their efforts on the Meth labs that are killing our children, instead of chasing someone down that has an ounce of marijuana in their pocket they are using to ease their cancer pain. Go dig yourself another hole and invite your friends to join you. Goodness knows nobody here will miss you...
Posted by: Keri Location: T. on Nov 5, 2008 at 03:48 PM
So will the patients using this "medication" be unable to drive? Other wise they would be driving under the influence of a substance.? I think this law is good and bad. The good is that my mom had cancer and she did have tremenous amounts of pain and NOTHING helped. So yes I do believe that is will help some. The downside of it is that I dont think people should be able to GROW it. I think they should just be able to go to the Pharmacy and pick it up. I think the law should have been worded alot differently. I just don't want my kids or others to think that they can rob/kill for it.
Posted by: Ricardo Location: San Jose California on Nov 5, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Glad to see Michigan's voters' landslide victory for Prop 1. Welcome to the compassionate majority. Sorry to hear about Souder...
Posted by: Myrt on Nov 5, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Don't forget that synthetic drugs can damage your kidneys and liver in addition to the side effects which sometimes are worse than the condition these drugs treat.
Posted by: Rebecca Location: TC on Nov 5, 2008 at 03:31 PM
To anonymous who thinks we have plenty of good drugs to deal with cronic pain and illness. It is obvious that you have never walked in the shoes of someone who has not found releif from their suffering in a perscription drug bottle. If smoking marijuana can save someone who has hit a wall with perscripton options and feels like they can't take another day of suffering who are you to be so judgemental and decide how they seek releif. Thank you Michigan for you compassion and understanding when it comes to this issue.
Posted by: GK Location: SB on Nov 5, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I will quote a line from the HBO series The Wire, "You can't call it a war... Wars end." I'd rather have some one get real thirsty and hungry, feel more at ease then having slight discomfort, oily discharge, thoughts of suicide, digestive issues, possible risk of nausea, etc, etc. Those are the side affects we here when a drug comercial is on TV. Actually the list is alot longer but I only have so much space on this post. Why are all you against this bill but seem to have no problem with prescribing a person OXYCONTIN, aka, synthetic herione? Its a more dangerously powerful and addictive drug. Oh wait how about if you cant get "it" up. Just take some Viagra. Unhappy, take some Zymbalta. Beware though, you stand the risk of feeling worse after taking it. But hey, its making billions for the suits and they have comercials to help them convince us its ok. Truth is, we take drugs for everything. DRUG STORES. Walgreans and CVS on every corner. Wake up people. Dont forget to take your pill.
Posted by: Jane Location: MI on Nov 5, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Anonymous 11:20 I take offense to you calling me an idiot, gateway drug BS, you have no clue what you are talking about. You need to think before you talk. Better yet try it you will like it.
Posted by: Major Domo Location: Under the board walk on Nov 5, 2008 at 02:30 PM
As a diabetic cancer ridden disabled veteran, I could appreciate a couple of tokes before I hook up my oxygen bottle and head to one of Michigans many many many casinos.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 at 01:21 PM
If it helps with major pain and especially CANCER. Let those affected use it! How can you be so dumb to say that others will use it for the wrong reasons. Look at every other prescription drug on the market. They are abused, but they are there for those who are sick. C'mon, get your head outta your you know what. Drugs are bad, and there are stupid people who take advantage.
Posted by: GK Location: SB on Nov 5, 2008 at 12:45 PM
For all who think this is a bad idea. How many comercials are on TV pushing drugs we really dont need on us? How many of those drugs have a longer list of negative side affects than positive ones? How many people in this country have prescrips. to many of these drugs that dont need them? You say that this will be abused. Legal drugs are abused as well. Oxycontin, Zanex, Volume, etc. I am sure every single person who has a prescrip. to any of those actually needs it. No, some dont and they are selling their pills to others on the black market. So think about all that when you say its a bad idea. The abuse of legal drugs has made CEOs of these drug companies billions. As far as gateway drug, please. Alcohol is more accessable to most, since it is legal and sitting in many houses throughout this country. Ciggarettes, legal and left laying around in houses for kids to pick up and try. But those are legal, so they must be ok right?
Posted by: Myrt on Nov 5, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Not ALL law officials are against this law. I know many policemen who state they would rather deal with someone under the influence of pot than alcohol. The pot users aren't beligerant and ready to fight or take flight. I agree that we need to pick our battles. Go for the heroin, meth, crack dealers and users instead. They are the danger to society. In fact, alcohol should be in the same category as the hard drugs since you can become addicted to it as well.
Posted by: k Location: South Bend on Nov 5, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I can't believe all the concern over marijuana and NOTHING about the far more dangerous Meth. Ridiculous. Get your priorities straight.
Posted by: Nicole Location: Michigan on Nov 5, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Even the law inforcers don't get it! As a person with a close friend that suffers from MS, the only other pain option out there is Oxycontin (A schedule II narcotic) Cocaine is only a schedule I! Along with Marijuana, the rate of addiction as well as harmful side effects are much lower in marijuana than that of it's now legal counterpart for these serious illnesses that require high pain relievers.. So these suffers should be lathargic and highly addicted to a very dangerous Schedule II substance than have a prescription for a much more fesiable and functionality form of marijuana? People abuse oxycontin much more heaviliy then marijauna .. why are people so uneductated on these matters? Even our law officials! Get educated before you make stupid remarks that are untrue. If you want to pass a law, make oxycontin illegal and make marijauna legal instead.. EDUCATE YOURSELF! Glad to see it is passed to start the legalization bill! I hope it goes all the way.
Posted by: John Location: NIles MI on Nov 5, 2008 at 12:24 PM
It is the best news for the economy in Niles I have seen yet!! What stocks should I buy for a play on Michigan Best Industry, POT!! Visine or plastic bag companies. Life is good good!! Thank you Michigan Voters
Posted by: South Bend Resident Location: South Bend on Nov 5, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I think this is a good thing. Especially if it actually helps people out. I don't really even see what the problem is with Marijuana because god put it here on earth and mankind did not do anything to it to change it. Why is it illegal to smoke that, but legal if you wanted to smoke any other kind of plant. You don't hear about pot heads causing the problems. They need to more worry about the harder drugs. The herion, meth, cocaine, ect. Those are more of a problem. I also feel all states should do like Mass. They have it where if your caught with an ounce or less all they do is make you turn it over and you get a $100 fine. I don't see the point of putting these people in jail. Taking up the space and using the tax payers money when more harder criminals should be in there.
Posted by: Savannah Location: Michigan on Nov 5, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Hell yeah about time!! I cannot tell anyone how many people I know that use this drug for depression reasons and it does more than any drug that a doctor can give us. People who think pot is a drug that should be illegal then I tell you to take a look at the side effects on a pill bottle because I guarantee you none of them will say "oh no serious side effects accept, munchies, and cotton chops" I would rather smoke marijuana than pump by body with pills that will kill my kidneys and possible cause suicidal thoughts. The government will never stop the war on drugs. They need to legalize it for everyone and sell it themselves to make money from it instead of paying millions of dollars failing to prevent it. It is naturally grown and no more harmful than a pack of menthol cigarettes. I believe it is our choice, and rightfully ours.
Posted by: Ronnie Location: South Bend on Nov 5, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Get in line with those scripts!
Posted by: Jeff Location: South Bend on Nov 5, 2008 at 12:00 PM
This is America and the choice of medication should be up to the individual as long as they are not endangering or harming others against their will. Alcohol is a more powerful drug than marijuana and it has more severe side effects. The same can be said for prescription pain pills, not to mention the extremely high price charged by the drug companies. If pot smokers are druggies, then by this definition so are cigarette smokers, alcohol drinkers, and those who take any type of prescribed medication. It is all about using moderation and not abusing.
Posted by: Steve-O on Nov 5, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Looks like i am moving to MI. The presidents approves cause you can tell by the color of his lips.
Posted by: dj Location: mi on Nov 5, 2008 at 11:45 AM
For those of you that think this is such a bad idea--you'll be moving here when you get MS, cancer, etc. Pharmacuticals do NOT help all, and in cases, make things worse for the patient. And since I have a family history of cancer, it's nice knowing that if I end up sick I won't have to worry about going to jail just because I want to make it through the day. (FYI-I've never smoked it and have no desire to 'get high'. But as an aid to help when sick, you betcha I'll be lighting up!)
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Anyone that voted for this is an IDIOT! This is nothing more than a gateway drug. Maybe Michigan needs to change the legal alcohol level to .30!
Posted by: K Location: Michigan BIOOOO*CHHHs on Nov 5, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Haha-I think its funny, reading the rediculous posts of close minded folk justifing how it is so reckless and irresponsible and the "Whats next, cocaine, heroin, X" lol- seriously.. I actually wish I could laugh in your face at how silly you sound, instead of LOL'n on here. No point to bash or argue though because, to be honest, I am HIGH right now and only feel like giving some LOVE... Come May, I hope all who voted yes on Prop 1, get some of the finest.. snow covered, multi-colored, sensi around, rolled in a blanket of grape goodness clutched between two eager fingers to ease and comfort some of the most devistating and less devistating illness's you all may or may not have. Enjoy! It's about F*n time!
Posted by: Kat Location: lake orion on Nov 5, 2008 at 11:08 AM
As a cronic pain patient I would like to explain that pharmacuticals have way too many side effects. Even if you can get your pain under control, the constipation alone is enough to kill you. No joke! Pot is an herb bearing seed that God has given us for a lot of reasons. We need to tap into them. Think of herbs instead of catogorizing it with narcotics. Just the fact that you cannot become physically addicted to it is enough for me to want to give it a try. I believe eating it instead of smoking it is better for your health. I hope to get enough to be able to eat pot cookies as needed. With the current no tolerance for drinking, I am sure many people without "medical" reasons for using pot could benifit enormously with the everyday unwinding and self-medicating alchohol has always provided. Moderation is the key to everything-balance is what we need to be seeking. Praise God for His provisions!
Posted by: jodi Location: shrewsbury MA on Nov 5, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Opponents to medical marijuana must not have had an Alzheimer patient in their family or a cancer or anorexia ect. This is a law that is long overdue. Marinol stops the agitation in Alzheimer patients and trends towards improvment in daily living skill like using the phone or toilet. Marijuana itself works even better. Nursing Homes across this country typically use seroquel for calming Alzheimer patients but seroquel causes a faster decline in daily functioning and mostly puts these people to sleep for the rest of their lives. My bet is that many of the opponents drink alcohol which is the cause of many illnesses while pot does not even cause lung cancer and in fact is usefull in decreasing the size of lung and brain cancer tumors by 50%. Furthermore those smoking pot are less likely to develope lung cancer than non smokers.......AND those that have smoked pot at some point in their lives are less likely to develope Alzheimers. STOP FEARING POT.
Posted by: TFP Location: Koontz Lake on Nov 5, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I take some exception to your reporting of this issue. Medical marijuana is not meant, nor, do I believe, it has ever been meant, to cure any type of cancer, which, is what your story seemed to imply. Accept my apology if I am mistaken. The point is, the effects of the marijuana, as I have understood, help to alleviate the side effects of chemo-therapy, particularly, the nausea.
Posted by: South Bend voter on Nov 5, 2008 at 10:02 AM
smokm if ya gotm!! SHAME!!!!! Why don't we just let EVERYONE DO IT!!! WHAT'S NEXT?? COCAINE???!!! I hope the government steps in and arrests THOSE DRUGGIES!!
Posted by: mark Location: argos,in on Nov 5, 2008 at 09:45 AM
its about time we start working to legalize pot in all states. Let the police force worry about high end drugs and not what was put on gods green earth.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Nov 5, 2008 at 09:38 AM
The people of Michigan have just voted to make Law Enforcement's job much more difficult. I hope they think long and hard about it the next time they complain about crime.
Posted by: Berrien County Location: Stevensville on Nov 5, 2008 at 09:37 AM
I wonder how many people as myself voted YES only because we are sick in tired of the prosecution of pot users that is in my opinion just a power tripping game that generates revenue for our cops and courts. No I do not smoke I want my tax money put towards enforcing the stop of crack, meth, and heroin. If pain were treated appropratly with opiates by Doctors we wouldn't have pts claiming they needed pot. Pick your Battles. Law is only mad because no it does allow people to misuse the proposal as written but cops are to take thier share of blame.
Posted by: LOL! on Nov 5, 2008 at 09:21 AM
This is hilarious! In California all you need is an "Elvis Presley" doctor and you can get a prescription to get HIGH! What fools people are.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 at 09:10 AM
This is the problem with law enforcement today, it is this type of mentality that you can rape, molest and kill but don't get caught with marijuana. Ask yourself why are doctors perscribing if it has no benefits. Stop listening to propaganda and start studying the facts(ALL).
Posted by: Mike Location: Niles on Nov 5, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Right. "Law enforcement FEAR The trouble this law MIGHT cause. Just like the streets were going to run red with blood after the approval of personal gun carry permits with some of the most stringent requirements in the country. Hows that working out. Perhaps our law enforcement community shoud refrain from being the pervayers of such hyperboly and fear based on unsubstantiated inuendo contrary to defensable existing data.
Posted by: Bob Location: SB on Nov 5, 2008 at 09:03 AM
The war on drugs, especially pot, is a complete failure. It is time for our government to pull its head out of their ass, and admit failure. The majority of the people want pot to be legal. The amount of money we would save would be astronomical and our police force could focus on actual crime fighting.
Posted by: shoppy Location: osceola on Nov 5, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Like anything it will be abused by a few but the benifit for the many who need it it will be a relief. The only ones who wont want it are the big drug companys because they wont be selling $300. prescriptions anymore. I wish Indiana had some backbone for those who need it I watched a family member suffer with cancer and if that would have helped her I would hate to think it was not available because of indifference by those in charge
Posted by: mike Location: mishawaka on Nov 5, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Medical Marijuana is an idea whose time has come. While law enforcement is correct that criminals will exploit any opportunity that may present itself, the Federal gov't needs to change pot from the schedule of narcotics where it is improperly tied to opiates. This association dates back to the days when Coca Cola had cocaine in it and is not supported by currect science. That is not to say that pot is okay. It IS a potent and dangerous drug with serious consequences such as inducing schizophrenia amongst those that are susceptible. I have many family members that struggle with a psychological addicition to pot. However I have a serious long-term illness which is listed as benefiting from medicinal marijuana. I am not a criminal, so I am interested in the Federal gov't decriminalizing the transportation of prescribed amounts across state lines. If anyone knows how this works, please post a reply. Thank you.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 at 08:11 AM
This is a crock of BS. There are so many good drugs that doctors can administer to control pain, there is no need for this to even be an issue!!
Posted by: The Amazing Steve on Nov 5, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Definitely a step forward in the right direction. Marijuana is no more dangerous than alcohol, and like alcohol it should only be used in moderation. We need to end the 'war on drugs' which serves only to fill the state and federal coffers and prisons.
Posted by: K Location: 13th Proud State!~ on Nov 5, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Beautiful Day! For once I am proud to say I live in Michigan.
Posted by: JOE Location: South Bend on Nov 5, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Flame On! Im moving to Michigan !
Posted by: charlie Location: indiana on Nov 5, 2008 at 04:59 AM
where do i sign up

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