Future Of Medical Marijuana Package Is Hazy

[+wolfgang]

this info just came to me from someone working closely with Mary Lindemann,the article got cut off though and you have to be signed up to look at the news letter but its real,and hopefully it will be in print soon.these reps dont even know what is in the law if they change it,check out how the reps respond.

 

Future Of Medical Marijuana Package Is Hazy

Medical marijuana will be a big topic for the House Judiciary Committee come fall, sources have toldMIRS.

 

A total of eight House bills adding new regulations to the budding medical marijuana business are being looked at by House Judiciary Chair John WALSH (R-Livonia), the rest of the committee and several interested groups.

 

"We're trying to address a host of concerns that have arisen since the medical marijuana act was passed: the enforcement for police, zoning issues for local municipalities, a patient's right to use medical marijuana without fear of being arrested, the relationship between the doctor and patient and so on," Walsh said.

 

Walsh said he expects hearings to begin sometime in late September or early October. In the meantime, he said he plans to start a working group of stakeholders to discuss the best way to go forward with the bills. Walsh has already been talking with Michigan State Police, local officials, Michigan Municipal League, and Cannabis Patients United (CPU).

 

"The more we know and share before the formal process, the better off I think we'll all be. There's a lot of education for all of us," Walsh said.

 

Mary LINDEMANN, CPU government relations director, is one person having conversations with Walsh and others on the committee already. The committee members' main concern seems to be the impact of dispensaries in communities, Lindemann said, emphasizing that CPU is not a dispensary advocate.

 

The two bills most "difficult" for CPU's interests as a representative of caregivers and patients are HB 4850 and HB 4851, Lindemann said.

 

"The others I'm pretty sure we can work out some amicable compromise, and I'm sure we can on these two as well," she said.

 

HB 4850 is "highly discriminatory," Lindemann said, because it would limit patients' ability to transfer medical marijuana to each other. Those patient-to-patient transfers are necessary for some people to have a steady supply, she said.

 

"Rep. Walsh's office really didn't understand they had crafted a bill that would do that. I have no doubt they're perfectly willing to correct that," Lindemann said.

 

Lindemann also said HB 4851, which defines the "bona fide physician-patient relationship," would put patients at risk of losing their right to privacy because it would require medical marijuana specialists to notify primary physicians when making a recommendation for the drug.

 

"We think if you see a doctor for any reason, the same code of conduct should exist," Lindemann said.

 

Other bills in the package address issues such as photos on medical marijuana cards, location of medical marijuana facilities, selling medical marijuana to an unprescribed user, advertising medical marijuana services, branding of marijuana and transporting medical marijuana.

 

"What these bills simply are designed to do is make sure the legitimate patient has an opportunity to receive care," Walsh said.

--

[SparklyBuds]

I agree w/ you Qtipper - Enforce the law.

 

They have been throwing BS charges at people as attempts to challenge the law (imo).

 

Like the people in trouble for growing outside without a roof on. Come on, the LE's coulda just given them a warning, "put a roof on it, we'll be back to check." You know, go along with the intent of the law, instead of just trying to get cases in court, over nit-picky little crap, to set precedents, to limit our access to our meds.

 

 

 

 

[+EdwardGlen]

VOTE...VOTE...VOTE... Sign the recall petitions, contact all the politicians, WE will prevail.

[SparklyBuds]

its the fear factor brother... they figure if they kill or lock up enough innocent sick people no one will try to get certified in fear of being killed, raided and or locked up, i think the germans used this tactic on the jews!

 

 

If they work with us, instead of against us, it could be really beneficial for the economy of the state. Certifications alone were what, 7 million dollars for the State in one year? Plus the money spent at grow stores (they are a small business too, which politicians claim they want to help).

 

Yup, fear... with the arrests, the general unfriendly climate towards us, and if the Bill passes to give LEO's access to the Registry, who is going to want to Register anymore?

[+Silverblue]

I don't trust mr walsh. He may pretend to be listening, may pretend to care, but I hope the people at cpu don't fall for any phony sincerity. We've been burned too many times to give our trust so easily. At least someone's attempting to INFORM hm about WHAT the law actually SAYS. His bills are flawed. IF they would give it a CHANCE, they'd see our law DOES WORK. They are afraid to admit it would, they'd have no control over it. We can try to explain and hope someone will realize what's really going on, and see the voters' intent should be carried out and given a CHANCE, and vote AGAINST ALL THOSE BILLS.

 

It's OUR law, OUR medicine, OUR Vote, OUR community, and OUR RIGHTS!

 

Sb

[greenbuddha]

It has been two years since the MMM Act was voted in by the people of Michigan.

 

The 'crime rates' have NOT risen, there is no one running 'wild in the streets', and our 'children are still as safe' as they ever were.

 

The only 'real problem' we have as 'voters' and 'patients' is that our 'politicians' are still mis-managing our lives AND our 'economy'.

 

And even though it may seem fruitless and a waste of time, I WILL vote come 2012 and I will help get as many people to the polls as I possibly can.

[CedarSpringsCG]

GB, our children should be safer because mommy and daddy aren't sitting in a jail cell for trying to get some relief.

 

Problem here I have is that I don't agree with everything CPU says. Sure, some of their points are right on, but when you read their publications, IMHO they are not going for what is in the law, but rather, what THEY want the law to be.

 

Sure, any advocacy group is good for us, however I think they may be willing to give up parts of our law that most of us would not be willing to give up. Look at the MACC, they were willing to throw CG/PT system under the bus for dispensaries...Luckily they got burned and may be a little smarter now.

 

Anyone who can bring another group in to talk to Walsh would be awesome, get a few additional points of view on it... Would be nice to have the MMMA spokesperson in those meetings.

[SparklyBuds]

It has been two years since the MMM Act was voted in by the people of Michigan.

 

The 'crime rates' have NOT risen, there is no one running 'wild in the streets', and our 'children are still as safe' as they ever were.

 

The only 'real problem' we have as 'voters' and 'patients' is that our 'politicians' are still mis-managing our lives AND our 'economy'.

 

And even though it may seem fruitless and a waste of time, I WILL vote come 2012 and I will help get as many people to the polls as I possibly can.

 

 

Right on - and during our letter writings, it might help if those of us who vote mention that in our letters. I have to believe we can influence them - at least I gotta try.

 

Democrat or Republican, if you don't like what your Sen. or Rep is doing, then help vote them out.

[Hayduke]

Unfortunately Silver Blue, the bills have been introduced. To sit back and hope they will not get a super majority is playing a pretty hard game to succeed at. At CPU we have taken the task to be courteous and we listen as well as talk. We do not have a vote in the House or Senate, and our ability to vote out reps who do not care for our law is over a year away, so some degree of cooperation is necessary in order to have a voice.

 

Rep Walsh and Rep Horn, both Republicans, have been far more willing to listen than we even thought possible a couple months ago. All that being said it is an uphill fight all the way. CPU has been the only group with a lobbyist in Lansing for over 14 months. All this has been done through contributions of the patients and caregivers in our group. Now is the time to work even harder to show lawmakers that we are just like them: Citizens of Michigan, no more no less. They are beginning to get the concept that the program brought in 8 million dollars in the current fiscal year. They are beginning to get that with over 100,000 patients, and all their friends and relatives and all the other good voters who voted 63% in favor of medical marihuana, to treat us poorly may well cost them their jobs down the road.

 

At CPU we do not wish to see the law opened at all. We do not know if that is a goal that can be accomplished however so a backup strategy must also be in place. So we have provided the Reps additions and subtractions from their bills in order to help and protect patient and caregiver rights. We have spent hours educating the more intellectual and curious lawmakers than anything else we have done. They truly do not realize many many of the facts that surround the people in the program. The more we explain the plights of patients and caregivers to these fellow citizens the less able they are to just ignore us and pretend we are all criminals. We need to be able to explain that people like Sheriff Bouchard and Atty Gen Schuette and Sen Rick Jones are not representing the average Michigander, and are extreme and mean spirited in their views and actions.

 

The concerns of lawmakers can not be taken lightly. We must present common sense answers to them that go well beyond merely saying "free the weed" or providing free half grams to those who register and vote...

 

As they begin to grasp this program is filled with older, sick, and desperate people who merely wish to get off opiates, or have a bit of relief from the daily pain they suffer from, well truthfully they seem to be sympathetic and they begin to share the view we all have of the big picture. You can't possibly villainize all of them with one brush stroke. And you cannot posssibly prevail with the patients and caregivers point of view... if you are not at the table.

 

Joe Cain and Michael Komorn have been supportive of our efforts and for the most part and it can be said we are not at odds. But like Joe says often, and we at CPU agree with this 100%: Leave the sick people alone. Help the patients and caregivers to live their lives without interference from the police, the prosecutors, the courts, and the jerks like Sen Jones who merely want to see this law destroyed. FOLLOW THE LAW.

 

But this is the choice we face: destruction of the act by a slow legislative death, or role up our sleeves and present the reps with better info than they currently have, in order to gain their trust and vote.

 

And Greenbuddha you are right about crime rates and we constantly explain that to legislators.

 

Edward Glen you have it right for sure.... Vote Vote Vote.

[+wolfgang]

Unfortunately Silver Blue, the bills have been introduced. To sit back and hope they will not get a super majority is playing a pretty hard game to succeed at. At CPU we have taken the task to be courteous and we listen as well as talk. We do not have a vote in the House or Senate, and our ability to vote out reps who do not care for our law is over a year away, so some degree of cooperation is necessary in order to have a voice.

 

Rep Walsh and Rep Horn, both Republicans, have been far more willing to listen than we even thought possible a couple months ago. All that being said it is an uphill fight all the way. CPU has been the only group with a lobbyist in Lansing for over 14 months. All this has been done through contributions of the patients and caregivers in our group. Now is the time to work even harder to show lawmakers that we are just like them: Citizens of Michigan, no more no less. They are beginning to get the concept that the program brought in 8 million dollars in the current fiscal year. They are beginning to get that with over 100,000 patients, and all their friends and relatives and all the other good voters who voted 63% in favor of medical marihuana, to treat us poorly may well cost them their jobs down the road.

 

At CPU we do not wish to see the law opened at all. We do not know if that is a goal that can be accomplished however so a backup strategy must also be in place. So we have provided the Reps additions and subtractions from their bills in order to help and protect patient and caregiver rights. We have spent hours educating the more intellectual and curious lawmakers than anything else we have done. They truly do not realize many many of the facts that surround the people in the program. The more we explain the plights of patients and caregivers to these fellow citizens the less able they are to just ignore us and pretend we are all criminals. We need to be able to explain that people like Sheriff Bouchard and Atty Gen Schuette and Sen Rick Jones are not representing the average Michigander, and are extreme and mean spirited in their views and actions.

 

The concerns of lawmakers can not be taken lightly. We must present common sense answers to them that go well beyond merely saying "free the weed" or providing free half grams to those who register and vote...

 

As they begin to grasp this program is filled with older, sick, and desperate people who merely wish to get off opiates, or have a bit of relief from the daily pain they suffer from, well truthfully they seem to be sympathetic and they begin to share the view we all have of the big picture. You can't possibly villainize all of them with one brush stroke. And you cannot posssibly prevail with the patients and caregivers point of view... if you are not at the table.

 

Joe Cain and Michael Komorn have been supportive of our efforts and for the most part and it can be said we are not at odds. But like Joe says often, and we at CPU agree with this 100%: Leave the sick people alone. Help the patients and caregivers to live their lives without interference from the police, the prosecutors, the courts, and the jerks like Sen Jones who merely want to see this law destroyed. FOLLOW THE LAW.

 

But this is the choice we face: destruction of the act by a slow legislative death, or role up our sleeves and present the reps with better info than they currently have, in order to gain their trust and vote.

 

And Greenbuddha you are right about crime rates and we constantly explain that to legislators.

 

Edward Glen you have it right for sure.... Vote Vote Vote.

I hope CPU will attend the rally,we have to be untied in this war they wage at our expense I realize the foundation has been cracked in "our"movement,in OUR law,but may we come together to show them we are not broke

.

[Kevin]

Simple solution to our cannabis problems. Legalize & regulate cannabis for everyone over 21 the same as alcohol is regulated.

 

Hard to fight them from a wheelchair. I'll be glad when it's all over.

[+wolfgang]

We need to"stay on target" in regards to our law as it is written. This law was in Dire straits not two weeks ago I say that with all seriousness. They have the 3/4 in the senate and they only need 3 more dems in the house. They need to put the little bunny muffin aside for now and concentrate on damage control.Steady the coarse boyz.

 

Call or emails your reps,peeps.Respectively of coarse. Could we hold a press conference about this?NOW,and put the word out there to the people who voted so they can make calls as well,I think ppl are sick about politicians passing bunny muffin through the house and senate without knowing what they are voting on. Why would that be wrong to expose the ignorance.,we did it when the health care was being pushed through we question why they are in a big hurry to pass this,so the ppl wont know anything the wiser.

[Kingdiamond]

Unless they can prove a spike in cannabis related crimes i think they should leave the law as it is but i know that this has more to do with their "beliefs " and not the cold hard proveable facts.

[CherryCrush]

We are in the Dawn of the Future...

 

 

 

[+Silverblue]

Shortly before the May 25th rally, I wrote a song that I wish every rep, prosecutor, judge, etc. could hear. It sums up our situation from the pt's view. It was inspired by a cancer survivor I met from this site, it was also inspired by many here and influenced by the ongoing struggles of our community. I truly believe this song could move many of them, if they could only hear it. I'd love to see a video behind it, with my friend's face as she was crying because she was so scared of dying, and wanted so much to be alive. This is my gift, this my best way of expression. I could post the words but they are much more powerful when sung to music. It's hard to sing it without crying; it has brought tears to some eyes already. It has to be heard, and it will be, very soon, in a video made by one of our members. It'll be just as powerful, if not more, than the video I see in my mind. The song is short, but very powerful.

 

Something Pb says a lot, has inspired me to write another letter, which I will do very soon, for our e-mail program that sends our letters to all the reps. It's very emotional and helps put the whole issue in perspective- from the cg's view. He says it a lot on Michael's show, and said it again in the most recent one on Aug. 3, 2011. Michael added a very powerful aspect of it, too. I'm sure Chad added some to it also. I wish these reps, etc., could've heard that show, among others, heard the testimonials, seen the videos, looked into the eyes of those who are suffering, saw they are just people who only want what the voters have given them- the right to use MM, without fear of punishment. This law was created to PROTECT us, NOT punish us. They have to be shown the compassionate side and put aside their view that we are all dangerous, irresponsible, criminals, etc. I wish I had the courage to meet with them but I could not do it alone. IF I could, I'd sing my song to them.

 

I agree that realizing how much this affects us, how much we've contributed to the economy, and all the other important sides of the issue that proves we are NOT criminals, etc., will help them understand the harm these bills will cause. With thousands of pt's statewide, it's likely they know one, even if they're not aware of it.

 

If they're seeing their jobs may be on the line, they might begin to see the light, but I still would never trust them completely. Politicians seem to quickly learn the art of legal sneakiness. I KNOW they aren't all that way, but the ones that are pushing these bills ARE untrustworthy, and should be handled with caution. What they're doing may be unconstitutional, which must be recognized by someone powerful enough to put this runaway train to a screeching halt. Right now, that thing to stop the train is US. WE have to save this law, and convince enough reps to help us. How many do we need? It's more than 7, right? When I write them I tell them, if they vote for these bills, I will not vote for them. My letters are always respectful.

 

When a law passes, everyone must abide by it, NOT just a select few, and they have to honor ALL of it, NOT just the parts they think apply to them. The voters, many who do not use MM or mj, voted with their hearts to pass this law, because, even if they woul never use it themselves, they believe in people's RIGHT TO CHOOSE the medicine that's right for them. The legislature, leos, judges, PAs, etc. have NO RIGHT to dictate what medicines people use.

 

I wouldn't be against taxing it, IF it was done FAIRLY, and if they hadn't mismanaged the funds WE ALREADY GAVE THEM through the MM registry. EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS that would've paid for educating leos, etc., hiring staff, having good equipment to process paperwork and cards, and getting the cards out on time.

 

It's OUR law, OUR Medicine, OUR RIGHTS that 63% of MI voters gave us. May REAL Justice Prevail SOON and our law will be HONORED, Implemented, and Respected and FOLLOWED by everyone.

 

Sincerely, Sb

[CherryCrush]

There you go hamming it up. Thanks, Joe

 

 

 

[+Silverblue]

LOL @ "hamming it up". Looks like dinner to me!

 

Sb

[CherryCrush]

but I still would never trust them completely. Politicians seem to quickly learn the art of legal sneakiness. I KNOW they aren't all that way, but the ones that are pushing these bills ARE untrustworthy, and should be handled with caution..... How many do we need? It's more than 7, right? When I write them I tell them, if they vote for these bills, I will not vote for them. My letters are always respectful.

 

Sincerely, Sb

 

CPU is under no illusions or delusions as to what and how much we can accomplish working with government officials. We trust noone, educate everyone and push for sensibility to prevail. We offer them no cudgels, intentional or unintentional, to use against patients and caregivers; unlike some misguided individuals and interest groups have done.

 

Our tool is compassion. Our route is the high road. Our goals are simple.

 

Leave the Patients alone.

Leave the Law alone.

 

 

:-)

 

(place ham here)

 

There are a total of 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives. Republicans hold a majority of seats in the House of Representatives with 63, and Democrats hold the remaining 47 seats.

 

To maintain a 26% blockade to ammending the MMMAct we will need 28 supportive votes(1 buffer). We are at risk. We will need everyones help to get Democratic Representatives to sign onto the "Democratic Platform Pledge". Details forthcoming.

 

We may have 1 Republican that would vote against a few of these bills. I am not one to tell people how to vote, but i would think this is as clear as half the forests in the U.P. Please please please be as active as you possibly can be next election cycle. They will never have another chance like they have now to go after our law and we have to make it so they don't ever again. CPU will release a list of candidates that are supportive when we near election time. Be prepared to use your voice, your feet, your vote and your money; or any combination thereof.

 

Peace

[burroughs]

 

To maintain a 26% blockade to ammending the MMMAct we will need 28 supportive votes(1 buffer). We are at risk. We will need everyones help to get Democratic Representatives to sign onto the "Democratic Platform Pledge". Details forthcoming.

 

 

Has Jim Townsend already signed on? He is my Rep...along with the less friendly Papageorge.

[+mayorherb]

We are all working together. We all have the same goal. Saving the law, just as written. All of us must do our part to save this law. A handful of votes will decide our fate. We must call, write, lobby, protest, Publish..... Most of all we must work as a team. There are 100,000+ No one is willing to listen an unorganized group of competing interest. United, we will strike fear in their hearts. Nobody agrees with anyone on everything. We can focus on our differences or tap into our strengths. I sat on panel last night that was composed of MACC, CPU, MMMA and Norml. It was moderated by Rick Thompson. We are all saying the same things. I ask that everyone support where you can. Contribute your thoughts, but resist the urge to divide. Thanks, joe

 

 

Can you call me bro? i called you a cpl times..i cant get through..

[CherryCrush]

Has Jim Townsend already signed on? He is my Rep...along with the less friendly Papageorge.

 

 

The pledge has just been formulated and written. We are working with several patient group leaders, including 3MA, to finalize the presentation and how to properly address and approach representatives with the Pledge. We are simply asking them to sign on to their own platform. Details are forthcoming.

 

Rep. Townsend will need some friendly patient persuasion to sign on.

 

:-)

[SparklyBuds]

House Democratic Leader Richard E. Hammel:

 

Pease let me know how I can be of assistance to you so that together, we can continue to make progress in our community.

 

Office Address

167 Capitol Building

 

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 30014

Lansing, MI 48909-7514

 

Phone: (517) 373-7557

Fax: (517) 373-5953

 

Toll-Free

(888) 347-8048

 

Email

richardhammel@house.mi.gov

 

MI Senate Democrats:

 

Write Us:

Senate Democratic Caucus

P. O. Box 30036

Lansing, MI 48909-7536

 

Phone us: (517) 373-7370

[SparklyBuds]

We will start our writing campaign on Aug. 15th, because if we write too early our emails will be tossed. Call your Reps. and give personal testimony.

 

My letter is ready to go -- do you think it's any more effective to send it by "snail mail" now, and also a short version in email on the 15th?

[+Green Cross]

A former Republican state legislator, compassionate towards patients and supportive of the MMMAct, recommends STRONGLY that patients contact their state Reps and Senators directly. This former Rep reports being impressed -- to the point of being moved to vote one way or another -- when constituents speak out with conviction and sincerity. Says by far most issues don't generate much if any voter input so when 10 or 12 persons contact the Rep's office it's highly impressive and usually leads to that Rep voting with the majority opinion expressed in voter contact calls, emails, letters. Sincere personal calls to the office where voice tone adds to the impact of the message seem most effective. I would think cardholder-patients speaking out to protect their legal medical rights would be very influential callers.

 

This Rep also points out that gaining a supermajority for any issue is difficult to achieve but it IS a risk the movement should create a bulwark against. MMJ may be such a divisive issue. Opposition forces now in power (Walsh, Jones, Schuette, Bouchard, Cooper, etc) are able to generate news headlines that propagandize against our movement. So we must counter-balance that with positive news headlines plus personal contacts to our elected officials. This Rep strongly suggests the movement's leadership identify the 30% stalwart supporters of the MMMAct in the Michigan legislature and mount a full-scale patient/voter contact campaign toward them to shore up their support and thereby prevent a supermajority override of the MMMAct. When our elected Reps know the positions of their electors will they vote our way. If they don't hear from us they feel free to oppose our law.

[Hayduke]

Green Cross... your points are all excellent and that is why we are seeing efforts geared at having people go to Lansing to meet their reps. Many times they would indeed want more than just a lobbyist position put forth. The former rep is correct that a super majority is a high bar to get over. However after the Republican party was put into power in every major office in the state, it is a mountain that many appear ready to climb.

 

The Democrats under Rep Hammel have been disorganized and appear to be uncommitted in regard to actively defending the MMMA in any caucus based manner. Hopefully they will gain courage to take this up and do the right thing. Their party platform in Michigan clearly and unambiguously supports medical marijuana. That is why we look to ask the Dems in the House and Senate in Lansing to sign onto their own platform (what an orignal concept, eh?). We have modeled this in part on the Grover Norquist "no tax" pledge that the Republicans have used in Washington since the mid 80's.

 

But to ignore the Republicans would also be a mistake. There are some more moderate Republicans who are gaining some understanding of the issues, beyond what they hear from LEO, prosecutors, the MML, and the other hard core haters.

 

Patients and caregivers all over the state need to make the friendly call to their own reps, regardless of whether the reps agree with them. Make your points with clarity and remain polite and cordial throughout. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Constituents make a whole lot more headway than outsiders. 'cause constituents VOTE.

 

That remains our best threat... our votes....