Michigan Patients Face Further Limitations

We have heard of many state medical marijuana laws that are currently facing drastic regulations and limitations. Among those that are the most extreme are those in Michigan, where things continue to go downhill.

The state Court of Appeals just released a decision that will send marijuana law back another several steps. Despite the implications of the ruling, many are struggling to decipher the exact effects that this decision will have.

The decision comes in response to a growing issue. Specifically, does a caregiver have the right to supervise the growth of marijuana on behalf of other caregivers and patients that are not his/hers? According to the judges—no.

The court ruled that the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act is violated by those caregivers who care for the marijuana of those not directly in business with them. The exact details are actually much more intricate than that, but the bottom line is that this appears to be another attempt by lawmakers to restrict the will of the people.

In public statements, the ruling is designed to be in response to threats of crime. Medicinal growers are accused of supplying drugs to those who are not ill, making massive grow operations, and putting the public at risk. These statements are, however, questionable.

This ruling was obviously made as a statement against the medical marijuana community. There was no safety at risk, no question of health or corruption of youth. This decision was made simply to make it harder to grow and distribute medical marijuana.

Despite rulings similar to this one being made throughout the country, the medical marijuana community continues to grow and receive dedicated support. We are not a community that is willing to back down quietly, and decisions like this are being challenged on a daily basis.