Senator Warren Asks For Ideas

[+washtenaut]

Medical Marijuana Legislation

From:

Wa-Louisa Hubbard <WHubbard@senate.michigan.gov>

To:

 

Dear Mr. xxxxxxx,

 

My name is Wa, and I am Senator Warren's Legislative Assistant. I am also her staff person that works on issues relating to health policy.

 

I wanted to follow up with you on your questions regarding Senator Warren's position on the latest round of legislation seeking to amend the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. As I'm sure you are aware, there is currently a package of four bills (House Bills 4834, 4851, 4853 and 4856) that is awaiting action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. We have had a number of constituents contact us on this legislation, and the Senator has been responding to them with the email below.

 

As Senator Warren is open to considering proactive amendments on these bills, please feel free to email me any ideas you may have on ways they can be improved. I will be happy to pass the information along to her.

 

Best,

Wa

 

Wa-Louisa Hubbard

Legislative Assistant

Senator Rebekah Warren

18th District

 

Phone: 517-373-2806

Fax: 517-373-5679

 

whubbard@senate.michigan.gov

 

 

 

Dear Friend,

 

Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on the four bills regarding medical marijuana that recently passed the House of Representatives and are currently awaiting a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. I appreciate hearing your ideas regarding the ways this legislation could be amended to better serve the patients of our state.

 

I have serious concerns regarding the repeated attempts that have been put forth in recent years to limit the rights of individuals who are lawful medical marijuana cardholders. Instead of upholding the will of Michigan voters, certain provisions written into the current bill package only serve to increase restrictions on patients while jeopardizing their private medical records. Like you, I believe that we must work to preserve individual privacy while providing safe and efficient access to medicine for those in need of relief. Please be assured that I will remember your advocacy should these bills, or any other legislation related to the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act come to a vote, and I will continue to work vigorously in support of efforts that protect our patients.

 

Once again, thank you for your correspondence on this important issue. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (517) 373-2406 or

senrwarren@senate.michigan.gov

.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rebekah Warren

 

State Senator

18th District

[GregS]

Might I suggest that you call the Senator's office and ask how she is inclined to vote yes or no, given what she knows about the issues now? You have their attention, and can work that to our benefit.

 

Nice work.

[+washtenaut]

Might I suggest that you call the Senator's office and ask how she is inclined to vote yes or no, given what she knows about the issues now? You have their attention, and can work that to our benefit.

 

Nice work.

 

I have met with the Senator a couple of times. She has been very supportive of the people's medical cannabis initiative and will try to protect it. She is very open to the possibilities of cannabis as medicine.

 

What other Senators or Reps might co-sponsor any real patient protection amendments? Maybe we can help them get organized by pointing out other reps that might decide to support their bill.

[Kevin]

People such as the good Sen Warren are a light in these dark times, and they continue to provide a glimmer of hope to me and so many other disabled patients.

 

For that, I am most thankful.

[Kingdiamond]

You want ideas ?

 

Hows about leaving the fair cast vote alone as a statement to those who look to undermine patients rights ?

[Herb Cannabis]

People such as the good Sen Warren are a light in these dark times, and they continue to provide a glimmer of hope to me and so many other disabled patients.

 

For that, I am most thankful.

 

Nice post Kevin, I appreciated it.

[+washtenaut]

What's this?! Could it be??

 

Herb Cannabis = Senator Warren ???

 

Come to think of it, I have never seen the two of them together, have you?

[+washtenaut]

I'd like to put together a list of reasonable ideas to send to the Senator. Please add yours into the thread.

 

Or, this could actually be the framework for a new Unity letter, if the groups agree.

 

I also started that thread on Civil Rights violations of patients. That could also work.

 

We need to be sure to include the press contacts too. Get the word out to the public that the Legislature is intentionally not helping patients with these changes.

[+washtenaut]

an amendment that would help legally protect any person that would offer cannabis aid to the terminal patient. These patients are out of time and cannot wait. Today anyone offering help to a qualified but unregistered person is risking a long prison sentence for his compassion.

[Restorium2]

Please express to her how we need to be able to legally drive. All the rest is secondary, in my opinion.

 

Next are the warrantless searches.

 

If we hammer those two points it can't be misconstrued as trying to get away with something. We just want to be treated fairly, and equally, by the courts.

 

We need a fair impairment test, and to feel safe when we sleep at night. Basic rights other people enjoy, and take for granted, we need to ask for.

[Restorium2]

Driving first for sure.

 

Show her that PDF of what the MSP are doing with LEIN and say it must stop. The two issues, zero tolerance and access through LEIN, are designed to work together to put us in a position we should not be in. The ones who thought this 'One Two Punch' up must be held accountable for their motives. She could easily outline how the House leaders were deliberately putting legal patients in harms way. We could have a 'shooting war' (so to speak) between the House and Senate, with us as the clear winners. It's right there in black and white for her to use.

[Croppled1]

an amendment that would help legally protect any person that would offer cannabis aid to the terminal patient. These patients are out of time and cannot wait. Today anyone offering help to a qualified but unregistered person is risking a long prison sentence for his compassion.

 

I agree but the problem is going to be what defines a " terminal " patient in each prosecutors eyes . With the Federal Government allowing its compassionate use patients to have 9 oz's every 28 days weight limits should only apply to transportation to remove conflicts . California was so swamped they stopped enforcing limits but that hasn't been the case here . Overages are the same as admitting non compliance now . Participants need more wiggle room they can't control plant yeilds other then restricting nursery pot size nor keep a non interupted supply in many cases so as to maintain a therapuetic doses in their systems at all times . . Patients should not be having to throw their cannabis away then purchase because their out later . Just enforcing weight limits during transportation keeps control over almost all leakage and illegal dealing . Sales are not that hard to prove it is sad now a days they prefer to use forfeiture whether one is guilty or not just for mere suspician . It was always wrong to allow people to be convicted of sales for just growing plants for personal use which current law supports . It is wrong to count inert ingrediants as part of weight for medical patients discouraging tmed able use also within such restrictive limits . With the other two items mentioned as well as making sure one can always excersize a medical defense to any charge with a jury trial quite a few problems for patients and caregivers would be coverred .

 

There is no fair impairment test and even former drug czars have stated there never will be in our lifetimes . The tests conducted now for employment urinalysis have very high percentage false positive and negative rates . I have seen figures published that it is as high as 15% . That has always been the problem and with the discrimination now happening subjective judgements are not nor ever have been accurate either . Were patients and we wont fit normal one leg hopping profiles . People drive on blood pressure meds , insulin , heart meds , siezure meds these are all situations less then perfect but required in a fair society that doesn't unfairly restrict the sick and injured why is cannabis different it isn't even toxic ? Every time one thinks of a rule which will undoubtedly cause violations and arrest one must ask does this apply to all other medications and is the science developed for it to be applied to cannabis now without research for the past 80 years ? I agree driving privilages are the most important to patients of all issues now relevent and it will be a terrible battle with a few extreme cases obtaining press often involving non patients or those breaking other traffic laws then " internal possession ."

 

BTW it is going to be hot the next couple of days everyone watch the weaker patients and stay hydrated .

[GregS]

The language she uses in her response is like that used by the Representatives in the House who worked against us. Her take on "helping patients" can, and likely because she has been so cautious does, mean something much different than we do. She is being a little too coy, and someone might fall in and become complicit in working an agenda against ours. I hope to find that she is lined up with us.

 

It is necessary to continue to maintain that Prop 1 is clearly written and that LEOtards and the courts are ignoring it and breaking the law, rather than we, and necessary to be spoken of at every opportunity.

[+washtenaut]

Greg, I know what you mean about language that allows wiggle room. The politicians are experts at vague statements.

 

I would encourage you to approach Senator Warren. She is Minority Vice Chair of the Health Policy Committee, whatever that is, but it sounds like she should be concerned about health issues. I also read a bio that showed a lot of interest in civil rights issues. That is why I started the thread asking for a list of civil rights violations

 

 

We need an amendment to allow us to drive with THC in the body as long as we aren't impaired. If we change the wording from 'under the influence' to 'impaired by', does that do it? I thought I heard one of the COA judges talk about some change to the public health code to address this more easily. Anyone recall that discussion?

 

We need to know whether or not the police, now or in the future, can simply by running a plate see that the driver (owner) is a patient or caregiver. We need to know if we already have this bulls-eye painted on our vehicles.

 

It would be nice to use our program's excess funds to hire a special prosecutor that would investigate and charge with crimes those that violate the rules of this program. It is abundantly clear that Mr. Schuette will never prosecute anyone for violations of patient protections. It is suspected by many that he actually encourages these violators. The feds won't get involved either. Why can't one be hired to help the program run honestly.

 

Medibles...not sure how to work that really but certainly something is needed so that these cowboy judges can't put someone away for life for a batch of cookies.

[+washtenaut]

I agree but the problem is going to be what defines a " terminal " patient in each prosecutors eyes .

 

What defines a terminal patient that should be allowed to participate in Michigan's medical cannabis program immediately upon receiving the doctor recommendation? Good question.

 

This would have to fall to the doctor I think, maybe using a subset of the life threatening qualifying conditions.

 

Or, the doctor could take a cue from the Michigan Legislature, buy a gavel, bang the gavel, and just shout out, ' For Immediate Effect'

[GregS]

Greg, I know what you mean about language that allows wiggle room. The politicians are experts at vague statements.

 

I would encourage you to approach Senator Warren. She is Minority Vice Chair of the Health Policy Committee, whatever that is, but it sounds like she should be concerned about health issues. I also read a bio that showed a lot of interest in civil rights issues. That is why I started the thread asking for a list of civil rights violations

 

 

We need an amendment to allow us to drive with THC in the body as long as we aren't impaired. If we change the wording from 'under the influence' to 'impaired by', does that do it? I thought I heard one of the COA judges talk about some change to the public health code to address this more easily. Anyone recall that discussion?

 

We need to know whether or not the police, now or in the future, can simply by running a plate see that the driver (owner) is a patient or caregiver. We need to know if we already have this bulls-eye painted on our vehicles.

 

It would be nice to use our program's excess funds to hire a special prosecutor that would investigate and charge with crimes those that violate the rules of this program. It is abundantly clear that Mr. Schuette will never prosecute anyone for violations of patient protections. It is suspected by many that he actually encourages these violators. The feds won't get involved either. Why can't one be hired to help the program run honestly.

 

Medibles...not sure how to work that really but certainly something is needed so that these cowboy judges can't put someone away for life for a batch of cookies.

 

Will do. My senator could not be more useless.

[GregS]

He could be Pappageorge. Mine's more useless, I'd bet.

 

More than Roberts? Seems to me it does not matter and it is not worth arguing about. Both are azzholes.

[Herb Cannabis]

I sent this letter to the good senator today, I hope many more of you will send her one too!

 

Dear Senator,

 

I hope this finds you doing well. I have been told that you are looking for ideas to help the medical marijuana community.

 

I have one. It concerns Michigan's position on driving with medical marijuana in your systems and this is a problem for many reasons.

 

First of all, if we are not allowed to drive, we will no longer need our vehicles and as a result, will not pay the taxes for gasoline, licensing, insurance and everything else that goes along with vehicle ownership.

 

Secondly, We will not be traveling as much either nor spending as much. This is a lose lose position by our state, we lose our ability to get around and the state will lose millions in fees and taxes. This zero tolerance must not stand, it is no more fair to us that have chosen a less lethal medicine than it would be if they did that to people on other prescription drugs. Can you imagine the uproar that would cause?

 

I will apologize, I'm not the best person to send this to you, but someone must bring this matter to your attention.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

 

Regards,

[+washtenaut]

Way to make your voice heard, Herb!

[GregS]

After checking her creds, which are that of a progressive Democrat, I talked with one of her staffers. After blowing me off regarding another issue not related to this because I am not in her district, that attitude changed instantly and she began asking me pertinent questions when I said "medical Cannabis."

 

She agrees that the law is clearly, even cleverly, written. I did ask that she vote no on any and every bill that comes up in the chamber. Then I informed her that we, the community, are prepared to nework with grow stores, and any other suitable location, to get literature to the public and outoor graphics in front of drivers. It has been mentioned here. How can we pay for design, printing, and distribution? And please consider approaching your local grow store ownership or management to secure their help. There is value in it that works in their interest that we can sell them on, to the point that they will help out with costs. Tatoo shops are a good bet because, well, they just are. Dbob has generously agreed to help out with another print project. Otherwise, can Mr. Kormon and any other community leader be expected to do the same?

[+washtenaut]

You sort of lost me there, Greg. You went too quickly from Senate staffer discussion to networking with grow stores.

 

What is being printed and who is the target audience?

[GregS]

You sort of lost me there, Greg. You went too quickly from Senate staffer discussion to networking with grow stores.

 

What is being printed and who is the target audience?

 

Sorry. I suggest that we print pamphlets for display on counters and lawn and sidewalk signs for outdoor display. Banner applications are an option too. Then there are billboards. The target audience would be the electorate.

[+washtenaut]

I sent this out earlier today. This is not meant to encompass everything but I wanted to get something out today.

 

feel free to send along other ideas to this contact person working for Senator Warren.

 

 

To: Wa-Louisa Hubbard <WHubbard@senate.michigan.gov>; senrwarren@senate.michigan.gov

 

Cc: Representative Rutledge <District054@house.mi.gov>; Scott Davis <sedavis@lsj.com>; Joe Cain <jcain1369@yahoo.com>; matt.mowery@oakpress.com; Michael Komorn <michael@komornlaw.com>; gersh.avery@sbcglobal.net; pegan@freepress.com; otr@wkar.org; suggestions@propublica.org; blaitner@freepress.com; bdickerson@freepress.com; RyanStanton@annarbor.com; rgfaber@comcast.net; llgraham@umich.edu; freedomwatch@foxbusiness.com; nfinley@detnews.com; newstips@wlns.com

 

Wa,

 

I have been meaning to send you some of the ideas that were proposed as far as amendments to help the legitimate cannabis patients.

 

Here are 5 ideas from the michiganmedicalmarijuana website. Feel free to call or write to me with any questions that you may have. Thanks Wa.

 

-------------------------------

an amendment to allow us to drive with THC in the body as long as we aren't impaired. If we change the wording from 'under the influence' to 'impaired by', does that do it? I thought I heard one of the COA judges talk about some change to the public health code to address this more easily but I can't recall the details.

 

an amendment that would help legally protect any person that would offer cannabis aid to the terminal patient. These patients are out of time and cannot wait. Today anyone offering help to a qualified but unregistered person is risking a long prison sentence for his compassion. Perhaps the Doctor issuing the certification for the patient could declare immediate effect in dire cases to allow for immediate treatment. Think of a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, for instance

 

We need to know whether or not the police, now or in the future, can simply by running a plate see that the driver (owner) is a patient or caregiver. We need to know if we already have this bulls-eye painted on our vehicles. Rumor has it that this is already the case and it would be illegal - a crime by police. But, who would prosecute?

 

It would be nice to use our program's excess funds to hire a special prosecutor that would investigate and charge with crimes those that violate the rules of this program. It is abundantly clear that Mr. Schuette will never prosecute anyone for violations of patient protections. It is suspected by many that he actually encourages these violators. The feds won't get involved either. Why can't one be hired to help the program run honestly.

 

Medibles...not sure how to work that really but certainly something is needed so that these cowboy judges can't put someone away for life for a batch of cookies. Some measure of cannabis concentration of the cookie perhaps?

-----------------------------------

 

Regards,