Citizens Speak Out On Medical Marijuana
Citizens Speak Out On Medical Marijuana Rules
Dozens testify in front of the Michigan Department of Community Health against Medical Marijuana rules they say are too strict.
Posted: 6:48 PM Jan 5, 2009
Last Updated: 8:35 PM Jan 5, 2009
Reporter: Tiffany Teasley
Email Address: Tiffany.Teasley
Christopher Brunett and his caregiver Charles Vanlandeghem traveled from Davison, Michigan Monday to join dozens, testifying that the state's proposed Medical Marijuana Rules are simply too strict.
"This regulatory commission has just taken it upon themselves to make it as difficult as possible for legitimate users to stay within the bounds of the law," Brunett said.
Brunett suffers from Cerebral Palsy and uses medical marijuana to relieve muscle spasms, he says rules that prohibit lighting up in public places is too broad and not feasible.
"That I couldn't use marijuana on my front porch or even in my house if I'm next to a window, that's completely ludicrous," Brunett said.
Brunett's caregiver says the state's proposed rules conflict with federal laws.
"I would be found guilty on federal laws, I would be providing evidence against myself," Vanlandeghem said.
Even Michigan State Police weighed in with concerns over a rule that would require caregivers to turn all pot over to law enforcement if their patient dies or is no longer qualified.
"I know that our department, State Police, doesn't want anything to do with accepting any medical marijuana from anybody, and I would imagine that most law enforcement agencies would feel the same way," said Inspector Greg Zarotney.
The Michigan Department of Community Health says the number of people at the hearing shows a passionate pursuit to get involved, now it's their turn to revise where they see fit.
"We're going to analyze all the different suggestions that were made and we're going to figure out if there's any additions or subtractions," said James McCurtis of the Michigan Department of Community Health.
For a complete list of the proposed rules visit: Michigan.gov/ORR
Citizens Speak Out On Medical Marijuana Rules
Dozens testify in front of the Michigan Department of Community Health against Medical Marijuana rules they say are too strict.
Posted: 6:48 PM Jan 5, 2009
Last Updated: 8:35 PM Jan 5, 2009
Reporter: Tiffany Teasley
Email Address: Tiffany.Teasley
Christopher Brunett and his caregiver Charles Vanlandeghem traveled from Davison, Michigan Monday to join dozens, testifying that the state's proposed Medical Marijuana Rules are simply too strict.
"This regulatory commission has just taken it upon themselves to make it as difficult as possible for legitimate users to stay within the bounds of the law," Brunett said.
Brunett suffers from Cerebral Palsy and uses medical marijuana to relieve muscle spasms, he says rules that prohibit lighting up in public places is too broad and not feasible.
"That I couldn't use marijuana on my front porch or even in my house if I'm next to a window, that's completely ludicrous," Brunett said.
Brunett's caregiver says the state's proposed rules conflict with federal laws.
"I would be found guilty on federal laws, I would be providing evidence against myself," Vanlandeghem said.
Even Michigan State Police weighed in with concerns over a rule that would require caregivers to turn all pot over to law enforcement if their patient dies or is no longer qualified.
"I know that our department, State Police, doesn't want anything to do with accepting any medical marijuana from anybody, and I would imagine that most law enforcement agencies would feel the same way," said Inspector Greg Zarotney.
The Michigan Department of Community Health says the number of people at the hearing shows a passionate pursuit to get involved, now it's their turn to revise where they see fit.
"We're going to analyze all the different suggestions that were made and we're going to figure out if there's any additions or subtractions," said James McCurtis of the Michigan Department of Community Health.
For a complete list of the proposed rules visit: Michigan.gov/ORR