Mrc's Latest Monopoly Play

[semicaregiver]

Michigan marijuana business group focusing on medical reform, not full legalization

 

The Med Joint Community Compassion Center in Oshtemo. (MLive.com File Photo)

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By Jonathan Oosting | joosting@mlive.com 

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on August 24, 2015 at 2:09 PM, updated August 24, 2015 at 2:13 PM

 

 

 

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MARIJUANA IN MICHIGAN

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LANSING, MI — Michigan should license medical marijuana businesses and allow for storefront sales to qualifying patients, according to a new industry group that is considering a potential ballot proposal.

The Michigan Responsibility Council, a non-profit established last year, is urging the state Legislature to approve a licensing system for large-scale medical marijuana growers, distributors, processors, testers and sellers.

"If that's not possible — as it hasn't been in the past — then we're prepared to move forward with a ballot initiative starting next year," said Paul Welday, former chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party.

MRC had been considering a petition drive for full legalization. Two other groups are currently collecting signatures for initiated legislation to legalize recreational use for adults.

While internal polling suggested 57 percent of residents would support legalization, Welday said those numbers were politically "deceiving," because they reflected big support from younger voters who are less likely to turn out on election day.

"We've come to the conclusion that we have to walk before we run," said Welday, who chairs the MRC. "We have to fix what's broken before we start to add on to a system that needs our help. And that's what we're going to go."

Michigan's 2008 medical marijuana law, approved by 63 percent of voters that year, allows licensed caregivers to grow up to 12 plants each for a maximum of five patients.

The law does not address dispensaries — storefronts that sell to registered patients — and a 2013 Michigan Supreme Court ruling empowered county prosecutors to shut them down as a public nuisance.

The Michigan House approved dispensary legislation in late 2013, but the measure stalled in the Senate after law enforcement officials raised concerns.

A new version of the "provisioning centers" bill, sponsored by Rep. Mike Callton, R-Nashville, would create a tiered license system for businesses operating at various points of the medical marijuana supply chain.

The legislation is "a very good start," according to Welday, but "there still is a way to go" in order to establish a solid regulatory framework in Michigan.

The MRC is working with lawmakers on what it's calling the Responsible Medical Marihuana Distribution Act, which could provide the framework for a petition drive if the Legislature does not act this year.

The group wants to establish "narrow criteria" for who can obtain a medical marijuana business license and points to the current system for alcohol distribution as a potential regulatory model.

"The system of beer, wine and spirits in Michigan is something people know, they understand and they like," said Welday. "And so we think that kind of specificity needs to be included in the bill."

The MRC, calling itself "Michigan's premier cannabis association," is currently offering membership packages to businesses and entrepreneurs already working in or interested in the marijuana industry.

"Founding members" include eight large-scale cultivators, who will get a seat on the 11-member board of directors, according to the group's new website.

MRC President and CEO Suzie Mitchell, a political fundraiser and public relations expert, declined to name those investors.

Asked if the cultivators could directly benefit from a potential petition drive, she said creating a regulated medical marijuana system would benefit patients such as her mother, who she described as an 82-year-old cancer patient.

"We can't find constituent products. We can't find tested products. We don't know what's in it," Mitchell said. "It's very disturbing for somebody that is trying to use a product and doesn't know anything about it. We need to fix this for people that need their medicine."

The MRC still has plenty of time to consider whether it will launch a medical marijuana petition drive. The group would have until July to turn in enough signatures to make the 2016 ballot.

Robin Schneider, legislative liaison for the National Patients Rights Association, said she is concerned that the MRC could end up facilitating "a money grab" for growers willing to fund a petition drive in exchange for special treatment written into the law.

"I don't view that as a good reason to do a ballot initiative," Schneider said Monday. "I would prefer to see the Legislature step up and pass Callton's bill."

Her group generally supports Callton's medical marijuana legislation, which remains before the House Judiciary Committee, but Schneider said she has some concerns that over-regulation could lead to higher prices for patients.

Welday said the MRC is committed to working with the Legislature before deciding whether to go to the ballot. A strong regulatory framework could ultimately benefit medical marijuana patients and businesses, he said.

"We're on the cusp of starting an industry in Michigan, whether's it's medical marijuana or if down the road there is full legalization for personal use," said Welday. "But in order to do so, there has to be a structure in place. And if that structure is in place, it's going to benefit a lot of people."

Jonathan Oosting is a Capitol reporter for MLive Media Group. Email him, find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.

 

[+Malamute]

[semicaregiver]

Turns out the MRC believes that mj is so dangerous it needs to be transported in "armored cars".  Kind of leaves me wondering how drugs are delivered to CVS.

[t-pain]

drugs are delivered via regular trucks to pharmacies. although they are transported in fairly tough plastic shipping totes with zip ties and other security devices.

 

narcotics same way i think, although the pharmacy has to have a somewhat substantial safe to keep the narcotics in at all times.

[Willy]

there are so many we 's going on, we want control, we want the money, we want the control, we will take control, we wont let CG's get anything in reimbursement,, cause ... say it.. they want the money , they want the control.. they want the money, maximum greed, and on top of that, we only want OUR group to grow,  sell and have that control... 

[+Malamute]

[t-pain]

so they are gonna straight up mess with medical then.

 

thats a poor decision.

[GregS]

This is hooey. IT'S A GARDEN HERB WITH MEDICINAL PROPERTIES AND PRODUCES A MILD INTOXICATING EFFECT. IT DOES NOT NEED THIS DEGREE OF REGULATION!

 

Is this still in committee? Is written testimony being accepted?

[Indigro]

At least i can say they r consistent... Everything i read about them makes me dislike them more and more and more...

 

I do have to laugh a little... They sold these 'large-scale growers' on a bunch of political promises, took that stack of cash, and r already back tracking... Welcome to the game of professional lobbying. And dont forget the second stack of cash to make sure the first stack wasnt completely flushed down the drain, and a third stack if next year doesnt quite work out... Lol, i am actually smiling right now

[t-pain]

yeah these republicans are great at taking bribes, not so much at following through.

[semicaregiver]

Bribes is correct.  Rumor has it that Richardville who had no problem taking 15K of NPRA's money after he was term limited is a part of it.