Email-O-Matic Now On The Mmma's Servers Pt. 2

[mike44]

The workgroup recommendations will then head to the Judiciary Committee where the bills will be subject to an open and public debate, to create the best possible piece of legislation for the citizens of Michigan.

 

Am sure they will let us all know were and when to show up

i don't think so

Yes I would certainly like to know when these "open and public" debates will take place. I think about say 10 or 20 thousand of us may have something to say about these bills.

I have replied to this same response asking when I can come to the open and public debate. Guess what? I got the same response as before!

[bobandtorey]

Pack the house folks. Not even room for oxygen. We must let them know that we oppose everything they're doing. We are preparing for their public debate. I hope they do their homework. We are. Thanks, bb

 

i agree but they will never let us know when and were

[mike44]

i agree but they will never let us know when and were

They will let us know the day after they have them.

They don't want us there because then they would have to answer questions that they cannot rationally answer.

[+Silverblue]

Hi all I got one for ya with a response I'll be sending to mr bolger; here's his then my reply. Oh I agree they won't tell us about any public debates till after it happened. They know they'll be given the "what for", to put it nicely. (smirk!) Here's the letters between mr bolger and me, looks like everyone got the same letter from him. -Sb

 

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office. I always enjoy hearing from concerned citizens and gathering their feedback.

 

The people of Michigan were clear in their intent when they passed the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA) in 2008. I have no desire to overturn the MMMA, or nullify the will of the people.

 

Unfortunately, the MMMA was written in such a manner that many important and unanswered questions have arisen from legitimate patients, caregivers, municipalities, law enforcement and many others. The ambiguities in the law have resulted in a great deal of litigation, and as a result, the need for the courts to step in and fill those gaps in the law.

 

Much like legislative policy changes often require multiple bills to properly resolve an issue, it is often - if not almost always - necessary for the legislature to provide a framework around a citizens' initiative like this to ensure fair and appropriate implementation of the citizens' adopted law.

 

There are many in the legislature and affected groups, who do not wish to see the MMMA be determined by constant changes and costly, protracted court battles. Therefore a bi-partisan group of legislators was put together to craft a legislative package to bring clarity to the MMMA. The intent is to ensure that legitimate patients have safe access, and that municipalities and law enforcement have a clear and consistent rather than a confusing patchwork framework for enforcement.

 

The workgroup recommendations will then head to the Judiciary Committee where the bills will be subject to an open and public debate, to create the best possible piece of legislation for the citizens of Michigan.

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

 

Regards,

 

 

Jase Bolger

State Representative

63rd District

(517) 373-1787

 

 

Dear Mr. Bolger

 

Thank you for replying to my concerns. I am well aware of the workgroup, I'm also aware they may not have the best interest of patients and caregivers. There have been representatives from other medical marijuana groups who have also spoken with some legislators, who truly do have the medical mj community's best interest. That workgroup does not speak for many of us. The Michigan Medical Marijuana Association has explained exactly what those proposals will actually do to this community. It will make their lives harder than it already is, mainly because, had the law been properly implmented in the first place, none of this would be happening. These citizens are very well educated on the law, they also include lawyers and other professionals.

 

In order to understand any issue, you must see more than one side. Pleasse do not rely on one group for solutions. The most affected people are not being heard, many who's lives have been turned upside down and torn apart, although they have followed the law to the letter.

 

Please read the letters we are sending you, read them very carefully and try to understand the situation from the side of the patients and caregivers. This is about health and choice, as well as our constitutional rights. This inititive was passed by 63% of voters, they understood the law very clearly. If you would take the time to read it slowly and carefully, it will become very clear to you.

 

We hope you will not vote for any of those ammendments. These problems were created by lack of implementation. The issues these ammendments address are already covered elsewhere and are very clear.

 

The People have spoken, many of whom you represent. If you vote against their wishes, they will not vote for you again.

 

Sincerely, ____

 

NOTE, in one place, his name is James, in another, it's Jase. hmmm what?? -Sb

[MMJ Intern]

Thank you for your message concerning recent attempts to weaken the Medical Marijuana Act. I share many of your concerns. I strongly support the Medical Marijuana Act, and I think we should be working to strengthen the law rather than weaken it.

 

The Act was written to ensure that everyone who is both qualified and medically in need of a prescription can use marijuana. It is important for us to make sure that the Act does not exclude any who are truly in need.

 

Those who are using or growing medical marijuana in full compliance with the Act should be protected, and their right to privacy should be maintained. Judges and officials ought to recognize those provisions of the law which allow citizens to grow or use medical marijuana. Medical marijuana users are certainly not a "danger to society," they are simply seeking effective treatment, and they should not be punished or denied that opportunity.

 

Once again, thank you for your concern about these issues. I will keep your thoughts in mind for future legislation. The Act has been effective thus far, and there is no reason to hinder patients' full and free access to medical marijuana treatment if that treatment is truly necessary.

 

Thank you again.

 

Sincerely,

Jeff Irwin

53rd District

State of Michigan

 

517-373-2577

http://053.housedems.com

JeffIrwin@house.mi.gov

[+Silverblue]

Hi all, just checking in, with another letter, this time from Matt Huuki. Here's his response to me and my reply to him. H really did write "dear constituent" not my name. -Sb

 

Dear Constituent:

 

Thank you for your e-mail regarding your support of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. I appreciate you taking time to write and share your thoughts with me.

 

Voters passed the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in 2008, legalizing the possession and use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, confusion remains about how prevalent the dispensaries and users can be in communities and what role law enforcement will continue to play in the new multi-million dollar industry.

 

Raids on marijuana 'smoking clubs' and dispensaries are ongoing, with some charges still outstanding and others cleared. Again, confusion over the law is costing taxpayers money. Additionally, some are taking advantage of the situation to exploit loopholes in the law.

 

By preventing frauds from taking advantage of the new law, we can protect and strengthen the system for those who really need it and use it the right way. This is a complicated issue because it is illegal for most people and the law calls for enforcement to continue for them. Allowing access by law enforcement during the course of obtaining a search warrant will protect patients from unnecessary raids and keep law enforcement safe.

 

Thank you again for you e-mail. If you have further questions on this or any other state matter, please feel free to contact my office at 517-373-0850.

 

Sincerely,

 

Matt Huuki

State Representative

 

Dear Mr. Huuki,

 

Thank you for responding to my message.

 

As far as I know, there's NO such thing as a smoking bar. If there

was one, that was not the norm. As far as dispensaries go, they

were not written into the law; this I will acknowledge, and do not

support within the framework of the law as it was written and

approved by the voters.

 

You are only seeing one side of this issue, your information only

shows the supposed problems, not the facts and accounts of what is

really happening within the medical marijuana community. I know you

don't have time tofully examine every issue, but if you are

representing people who care about it, it'd benefit everyone for

you to look at their side, too. The decisions you make will affect

them. Please listen to them and consider this:

 

Had the law been properly implemented in the first place, these

problems you perceive would not exist.

 

1. Cards are supposed to be issued within 20 days. This has not

happened. Legally approved applicants, many who are extremely ill,

are being wrongfully treated by law enforcement and others. None of

this would happen if the card came in the 20 days, as the law

dictates, and the card's validity was recognized and respected.

 

2. If said card doesn't arrive in 20 days, paperwork is as good as

the card. This has not always been the case, as police refuse to

recognize the validity of this paperwork, some judges and

prosecutors also refuse to accept the paperwork as equivelent to

the card.

 

3. Once approved, patients and caregivers are protected from

arrest, jail, and prosecution. Again, this hasn't happened, because

police, prosecutors, and judges refuse to acknowledge the rights

granted to the patient and caregiver that allow them to use this

substance legally. Many judges and prosecutors have denied the

right to the medical defense, which is a direct violation of due

process, which is unconstitutional.

 

These are perhaps the most important issues of concern. If this

community is expected to obey the law, which most do, we also

expect our government and, officials, and civil servants to obey

it. The ones who are obeying the law shouldn't be punished for the

small minority of those who are taking advantage of it. Punishing

the many for the few has never worked, and only causes undue

suffering to those who follow the law.

 

We see through these excuses not to implement the law; however,

like it or not, whatever laws we have, we still follow them, don't

we? Laws are made for everyone to follow, not one law for one

specific group, that government is excused from obeying.

 

The People have spoken. I voted for this law, I will not see it

undone just because someone disagrees with the Will of The People,

and has some wild idea about smoking bars, dangerous drivers,

crime, and other such claims.

 

Many who voted for this law are your constituents, who voted for

you. They are aware of your position on this, and hope you will see

the facts and truth, rather than the misinformation being shown to

you and other legislators. Please be very careful how you decide,

there's always more than one side to any issue, not just the one

you're being shown. As a representative, isn't it your duty and

responsibility to see their side of the issues? They expect you to

vote with their concerns in mind; they will remember how you voted,

and act accordingly.

 

Sincerely, ____

[+washtenaut]

Hi all, just checking in, with another letter, this time from Matt Huuki. Here's his response to me and my reply to him. H really did write "dear constituent" not my name. -Sb

 

Dear Constituent:

 

Thank you for your e-mail regarding your support of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. I appreciate you taking time to write and share your thoughts with me.

 

Voters passed the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in 2008, legalizing the possession and use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, confusion remains about how prevalent the dispensaries and users can be in communities and what role law enforcement will continue to play in the new multi-million dollar industry.

 

Raids on marijuana 'smoking clubs' and dispensaries are ongoing, with some charges still outstanding and others cleared. Again, confusion over the law is costing taxpayers money. Additionally, some are taking advantage of the situation to exploit loopholes in the law.

 

By preventing frauds from taking advantage of the new law, we can protect and strengthen the system for those who really need it and use it the right way. This is a complicated issue because it is illegal for most people and the law calls for enforcement to continue for them. Allowing access by law enforcement during the course of obtaining a search warrant will protect patients from unnecessary raids and keep law enforcement safe.

 

Thank you again for you e-mail. If you have further questions on this or any other state matter, please feel free to contact my office at 517-373-0850.

 

Sincerely,

 

Matt Huuki

State Representative

 

Dear Mr. Huuki,

 

Thank you for responding to my message.

 

As far as I know, there's NO such thing as a smoking bar. If there

was one, that was not the norm. As far as dispensaries go, they

were not written into the law; this I will acknowledge, and do not

support within the framework of the law as it was written and

approved by the voters.

 

You are only seeing one side of this issue, your information only

shows the supposed problems, not the facts and accounts of what is

really happening within the medical marijuana community. I know you

don't have time tofully examine every issue, but if you are

representing people who care about it, it'd benefit everyone for

you to look at their side, too. The decisions you make will affect

them. Please listen to them and consider this:

 

Had the law been properly implemented in the first place, these

problems you perceive would not exist.

 

1. Cards are supposed to be issued within 20 days. This has not

happened. Legally approved applicants, many who are extremely ill,

are being wrongfully treated by law enforcement and others. None of

this would happen if the card came in the 20 days, as the law

dictates, and the card's validity was recognized and respected.

 

2. If said card doesn't arrive in 20 days, paperwork is as good as

the card. This has not always been the case, as police refuse to

recognize the validity of this paperwork, some judges and

prosecutors also refuse to accept the paperwork as equivelent to

the card.

 

3. Once approved, patients and caregivers are protected from

arrest, jail, and prosecution. Again, this hasn't happened, because

police, prosecutors, and judges refuse to acknowledge the rights

granted to the patient and caregiver that allow them to use this

substance legally. Many judges and prosecutors have denied the

right to the medical defense, which is a direct violation of due

process, which is unconstitutional.

 

These are perhaps the most important issues of concern. If this

community is expected to obey the law, which most do, we also

expect our government and, officials, and civil servants to obey

it. The ones who are obeying the law shouldn't be punished for the

small minority of those who are taking advantage of it. Punishing

the many for the few has never worked, and only causes undue

suffering to those who follow the law.

 

We see through these excuses not to implement the law; however,

like it or not, whatever laws we have, we still follow them, don't

we? Laws are made for everyone to follow, not one law for one

specific group, that government is excused from obeying.

 

The People have spoken. I voted for this law, I will not see it

undone just because someone disagrees with the Will of The People,

and has some wild idea about smoking bars, dangerous drivers,

crime, and other such claims.

 

Many who voted for this law are your constituents, who voted for

you. They are aware of your position on this, and hope you will see

the facts and truth, rather than the misinformation being shown to

you and other legislators. Please be very careful how you decide,

there's always more than one side to any issue, not just the one

you're being shown. As a representative, isn't it your duty and

responsibility to see their side of the issues? They expect you to

vote with their concerns in mind; they will remember how you voted,

and act accordingly.

 

Sincerely, ____

 

SB, I think that is the best reply to our reps that I've ever read. Terrific!

[mcraven469]

Hi all, just checking in, with another letter, this time from Matt Huuki. Here's his response to me and my reply to him. H really did write "dear constituent" not my name. -Sb

 

Dear Constituent:

 

Thank you for your e-mail regarding your support of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. I appreciate you taking time to write and share your thoughts with me.

 

Voters passed the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in 2008, legalizing the possession and use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, confusion remains about how prevalent the dispensaries and users can be in communities and what role law enforcement will continue to play in the new multi-million dollar industry.

 

Raids on marijuana 'smoking clubs' and dispensaries are ongoing, with some charges still outstanding and others cleared. Again, confusion over the law is costing taxpayers money. Additionally, some are taking advantage of the situation to exploit loopholes in the law.

 

By preventing frauds from taking advantage of the new law, we can protect and strengthen the system for those who really need it and use it the right way. This is a complicated issue because it is illegal for most people and the law calls for enforcement to continue for them. Allowing access by law enforcement during the course of obtaining a search warrant will protect patients from unnecessary raids and keep law enforcement safe.

 

Thank you again for you e-mail. If you have further questions on this or any other state matter, please feel free to contact my office at 517-373-0850.

 

Sincerely,

 

Matt Huuki

State Representative

 

Dear Mr. Huuki,

 

Thank you for responding to my message.

 

As far as I know, there's NO such thing as a smoking bar. If there

was one, that was not the norm. As far as dispensaries go, they

were not written into the law; this I will acknowledge, and do not

support within the framework of the law as it was written and

approved by the voters.

 

You are only seeing one side of this issue, your information only

shows the supposed problems, not the facts and accounts of what is

really happening within the medical marijuana community. I know you

don't have time tofully examine every issue, but if you are

representing people who care about it, it'd benefit everyone for

you to look at their side, too. The decisions you make will affect

them. Please listen to them and consider this:

 

Had the law been properly implemented in the first place, these

problems you perceive would not exist.

 

1. Cards are supposed to be issued within 20 days. This has not

happened. Legally approved applicants, many who are extremely ill,

are being wrongfully treated by law enforcement and others. None of

this would happen if the card came in the 20 days, as the law

dictates, and the card's validity was recognized and respected.

 

2. If said card doesn't arrive in 20 days, paperwork is as good as

the card. This has not always been the case, as police refuse to

recognize the validity of this paperwork, some judges and

prosecutors also refuse to accept the paperwork as equivelent to

the card.

 

3. Once approved, patients and caregivers are protected from

arrest, jail, and prosecution. Again, this hasn't happened, because

police, prosecutors, and judges refuse to acknowledge the rights

granted to the patient and caregiver that allow them to use this

substance legally. Many judges and prosecutors have denied the

right to the medical defense, which is a direct violation of due

process, which is unconstitutional.

 

These are perhaps the most important issues of concern. If this

community is expected to obey the law, which most do, we also

expect our government and, officials, and civil servants to obey

it. The ones who are obeying the law shouldn't be punished for the

small minority of those who are taking advantage of it. Punishing

the many for the few has never worked, and only causes undue

suffering to those who follow the law.

 

We see through these excuses not to implement the law; however,

like it or not, whatever laws we have, we still follow them, don't

we? Laws are made for everyone to follow, not one law for one

specific group, that government is excused from obeying.

 

The People have spoken. I voted for this law, I will not see it

undone just because someone disagrees with the Will of The People,

and has some wild idea about smoking bars, dangerous drivers,

crime, and other such claims.

 

Many who voted for this law are your constituents, who voted for

you. They are aware of your position on this, and hope you will see

the facts and truth, rather than the misinformation being shown to

you and other legislators. Please be very careful how you decide,

there's always more than one side to any issue, not just the one

you're being shown. As a representative, isn't it your duty and

responsibility to see their side of the issues? They expect you to

vote with their concerns in mind; they will remember how you voted,

and act accordingly.

 

Sincerely, ____

 

 

well put SB

mc

[josh8966]

Dear Friend:

 

Thank you for your e-mail inquiry concerning my views on the legalization of marijuana. Please know that I do not intend to support any legislation which would hinder a registered patient's access to medical marijuana, as provided by the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act.

 

As you know, in November 2009, Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved Proposal 1, a legislative initiative to permit the use and cultivation of marijuana for specified medical conditions. Michigan is currently one of twelve states and several cities that have enacted laws to legalize medical marijuana. However, it is important to remember that the United States Supreme Court ruled on this issue in June 2005, in Gonzales v. Raich, that federal laws which prohibit the cultivation, distribution and use of marijuana for medical use take precedence over states' laws which allow the activities. As a result, individuals participating in said activities are subject to prosecution, regardless of state initiatives, as long as federal laws restricting them are in place.

 

You may be interested to learn that several bills have been introduced in this session of the legislature concerning medical marijuana. However, final action has not been taken on any of these measures. You may review all of the bills which have been introduced at: www.legislature.mi.gov. I also encourage you to contact your state senator, Tonya Schuitmaker, and give her the benefit of your views. She may be reached at: sentschuitmaker@senate.michigan.gov.

 

Thanks again for contacting me on this important issue. I always appreciate hearing from my constituents. I will be sure to keep your views in mind should any legislation regarding this issue be referred to the full House for a final vote.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sean McCann

State Representative

60th District

[josh8966]

weird, i no longer get replies from reps...

 

Yes this is one of the few I got back (and the only one I believe not to be an auto letter.)

 

He is my local Rep so I am very glad that he replied.