1,000 Mmj Advocates Rallied At The Capitol

[AlternativeSolutionsPlus]

Nearly a 1,000 medical marijuana advocates rallied at the Capitol this afternoon, urging for a return of regulated dispensaries where patients in pain can legally obtain the once illegal drug.

 

Officials of Michigan Medical Marijuana Association (MMMA) were among the 27 speakers who pushed the Legislature to build a legal avenue for medical marijuana distribution after the Court of Appeals ruled the state's hundreds of dispensaries ran afoul of the 2008 voter initiative that legalized medical marijuana (See "COA: You Can Smoke But You Can't Sell," 8/24/11).

 

Many of the attendees held signs in their hands, asking for equal rights to keep health and stable. They emphasized that medical marijuana patients were suffering and were having a hard time obtaining the drugs they need.

 

The concern is that innocent, law-abiding citizens in pain are faced with the prospect of going underground and doing business with drug dealers to get a product that is legal in Michigan to use.

 

"I am serious. I cannot even tell you how angry I am right now," said Robin SCHNEIDER, the ambassador of America for Safe Access. "They are terrifying our children, terrifying our families. They do not have the right."

 

One of the demonstrators' biggest targets was Attorney General Bill SCHUETTE, who authored the original opinion that the marijuana dispensaries that popped up after Proposal 1 of 2008 passed were not legal. He's been working with the Republican-led legislature to pass laws that medical marijuana supporters believe are overly strict.

 

"I want to let the government know that I know that the multiple bills that have been discussed will do nothing to implement the intent of this law," said Michael A. LOMORN, an attorney in private practice. "This bill will tell you how far the government has really gone."

 

However, Rep. John WALSH (R-Livonia), chair of the House Judiciary Committee, reiterated to MIRS today that his intention is to push for legislation that allows heavily regulated dispensaries to continue, giving patients safe access to the medical marijuana.

 

Those speaking at today's event were still concerned.

 

The founder of Michigan Moms United To End The Drug War, Charmie GHOLSON said, "They think we have a drug problem, but let me tell you a legalized regulated system solves the drug problems. This is the drug policy reform; we need revolution.

 

“Go and talk to your neighbors and family members that you are a patient. Your medicine helps you. You are not criminal," she added.

 

Rene Wolfe of Ann Arbor, who has had multiple sclerosis for 32 years said, "I want my medicine. Just leave me alone and let me smoke my hit and get on with it."

 

Charles chambers said state action is a violation of his civil rights. To the argument that the state is trying to protect public safety, he countered, "If they're protecting me first and these folks, why are there thousands out here? Something is not right."

 

There was lone anti-demonstrator at the back of the crowd. He would only identify himself as Gene and he carried a sign that read: Say No to Pot Head Society.

 

He told MIRS he is afraid for the children and that the society will see "legal" marijuana within 20 years, which he said would bring more drug problems.

 

Then he had this exchange with a protestor: "People understand this is immoral."

 

The other man objected, saying, "That is your morals and I have mine."

[Northern Lab]

I think there was way more than 1000 people there. There had to be minimum 3000. I'm thinking it was more like 5000.

 

Are there any aerial photos of the rally?

[Purplehaze]

Chuckle 1000 people, I walked all around more like 3,000

[drtarzanmd]

I think there was way more than 1000 people there. There had to be minimum 3000. I'm thinking it was more like 5000.

 

Are there any aerial photos of the rally?

 

 

I could 'nt Agree More " Northern Lab "

 

There was like a 1000 volunteers .....

 

and 2000 people ....

 

I tried counting and once i got over 1500

more were showing up and i lost my tran of thought

or where i was at ... LOL

 

There was ALOT of People there ....

 

They better Leave the Law Alone OR

 

They will see what 100,000 anger people look like ....

[Kevin]

That 'Gene' guy is wrong. You will not see it legal in 20 years, but we have the power to vote on it in 2012.

 

No aerial view that i Know of but I posted a link to the rally video in another thread.

[_abbenormal]

hey all

 

i disagree... i was not there to support any dispensary model i was there to show those in that building who we voted into there jobs they wanted to do... its about the patients rights and what this law was made for to protect patients. sorry but those who put a dollar amount on my health and want me to pay them to get better health is not acceptable for me... im one but i will fight with those who will let me make the choice on my health... im not asking this government for anything as they have shown me they care about one thing and its lining there pockets anyway they can and if its taking from the sick they will do what they want... there not sick and will never see how it is to be sick... im tired of fight for my freedom and the right to make my own decision over my life and liberties to help myself... im tired of someone who thinks they know better how i should be treated and what my health is its mine and what i talk with my doctor about... michigan is not paying my medical bill until they do then they can have a choice in what i need... no where do i see this government helping the people who make the moneys for them other than to take it from us all using terrorist actions to undermine our life and homes with laws to protect companies who pay extras to those in office to get there wants filled which is for there own pockets... this country was started with out a government and had rules to go by up to the point others feel the need to use power to get moneys to control those who oppose them then use laws made to hurt those who are lied to to support those in an office with out feeling or responsibility for there actions... i want them to know we the people have spoken and they need to hear the message we voted for and they have the choice to follow our will or we will take there jobs... there income away like there doing to us by keeping us sick and not able to work... the government has not helped with keeping jobs here for us... when we make our own jobs they choose to not allow it... if they wont help then we will help our selfs and make changes they will not like... those choices will now make it hard for them... we will take your job so keep pushing and we will push back... keep doing what you are and we will not keep you in an office you are not supporting...

 

 

abbe

[plcultivator]

I could 'nt Agree More " Northern Lab "

 

There was like a 1000 volunteers .....

 

and 2000 people ....

 

I tried counting and once i got over 1500

more were showing up and i lost my tran of thought

or where i was at ... LOL

 

There was ALOT of People there ....

 

They better Leave the Law Alone OR

 

They will see what 100,000 anger people look like ....

you are so right Tarazan...me and my wife did spot counts on the north and south side of the rally where the crowd was not so dense and came up with a figure of 1000...now figure in the mass crowd in the center facing mich. ave and we had it figured at 3200....I knew the media would downplay the attendance...it was a wonderful thing....Hey schuette and the rest of you!!!!we're not going away!!!!