http://news.nuggetry.com Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:03:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/federal-employees-given-opportunity-to-donate-to-michigan-marijuana-charity/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/federal-employees-given-opportunity-to-donate-to-michigan-marijuana-charity/#comments Tue, 28 May 2013 16:06:11 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4652 Michigan Compassion is a federally recognized non-profit organization, which will be included on the government's annual Combined Federal Campaign Catalog Charity Listing for the first time this year.  The campaign, which runs from September through December, allows federal employees to use a payroll deduction in order to contribute to a charity. According to Michigan Compassion co-founder Amish Parikh, his organization is the first medical marijuana federal non-profit to be approved to be a part of the program. Parikh explained, "Once September arrives, the hard work begins as we start educating federal employees across southeast Michigan, the Toledo region, Flint, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Mid-Michigan." Other charities on the list include the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, and the Red Cross. Marijuana, even for medical purposes, still remains illegal under federal law.   [Source]]]> Michigan Compassion is a federally recognized non-profit organization, which will be included on the government's annual Combined Federal Campaign Catalog Charity Listing for the first time this year.  The campaign, which runs from September through December, allows federal employees to use a payroll deduction in order to contribute to a charity. According to Michigan Compassion co-founder Amish Parikh, his organization is the first medical marijuana federal non-profit to be approved to be a part of the program. Parikh explained, "Once September arrives, the hard work begins as we start educating federal employees across southeast Michigan, the Toledo region, Flint, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Mid-Michigan." Other charities on the list include the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, and the Red Cross. Marijuana, even for medical purposes, still remains illegal under federal law.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/federal-employees-given-opportunity-to-donate-to-michigan-marijuana-charity/feed/ 0 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-supreme-court-rules-on-marijuana-dui-for-medical-marijuana-patients/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-supreme-court-rules-on-marijuana-dui-for-medical-marijuana-patients/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 14:39:42 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4604 In a unanimous decision, the court overturned an appeals court decision in the case of Rodney Koon, a medical marijuana patient who was stopped in 2010 for driving 30 MPH over the speed limit.  Koon was found to have marijuana in his system, but the court says that police must show that a medical marijuana patients was actually "under the influence" in order for the marijuana DUI charge to be applicable.  Simply having THC in his system does not necessarily mean that Koon should be charged with a DUI rather than just receiving a speeding ticket. The judges explained that the medical marijuana law "shields registered patients from prosecution for the internal possession of marijuana."  The opinion continued to explain that the state does not specify what THC blood level constitutes being "under the influence" of marijuana. Because of that, judges are recommending that the state set a limit similar to a blood alcohol level for medical marijuana patients who are driving.   [Source]]]> In a unanimous decision, the court overturned an appeals court decision in the case of Rodney Koon, a medical marijuana patient who was stopped in 2010 for driving 30 MPH over the speed limit.  Koon was found to have marijuana in his system, but the court says that police must show that a medical marijuana patients was actually "under the influence" in order for the marijuana DUI charge to be applicable.  Simply having THC in his system does not necessarily mean that Koon should be charged with a DUI rather than just receiving a speeding ticket. The judges explained that the medical marijuana law "shields registered patients from prosecution for the internal possession of marijuana."  The opinion continued to explain that the state does not specify what THC blood level constitutes being "under the influence" of marijuana. Because of that, judges are recommending that the state set a limit similar to a blood alcohol level for medical marijuana patients who are driving.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-supreme-court-rules-on-marijuana-dui-for-medical-marijuana-patients/feed/ 1 http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/marijuana-decriminalization-stands-in-grand-rapids-michigan/ http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/marijuana-decriminalization-stands-in-grand-rapids-michigan/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 14:35:49 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4495 On Monday, Kent County, Mi. judge Paul Sullivan ruled that Grand Rapids' voter-approved marijuana decriminalization amendment is valid.  Judge Sullivan also dismissed Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth's attempt to nullify the amendment. Based on Sullivan's ruling, possession of under an ounce of marijuana will still be considered a civil infraction in Grand Rapids, rather than a misdemeanor crime.  Even prior to Sullivan's ruling, Grand Rapids police had been honoring the amendment and writing civil infractions for low level marijuana possession starting on May 1. Forsyth had argued that marijuana decriminalization conflicted with state laws that define marijuana possession as a misdemeanor.  He also said that the new amendment would make it difficult for him to fulfill his responsibilities as county prosecutor. Sullivan wrote in his ruling, "The voters of Grand Rapids had the power to amend the city charter and plaintiff has failed to show that any section of the charter amendment necessarily conflicts with state law.  It is still a crime for one to possess, control, use or give away marijuana in Grand Rapids.  The charter amendment merely creates a civil infraction in the city and directs the city's police resources away from some of these laws."   [Source]]]> On Monday, Kent County, Mi. judge Paul Sullivan ruled that Grand Rapids' voter-approved marijuana decriminalization amendment is valid.  Judge Sullivan also dismissed Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth's attempt to nullify the amendment. Based on Sullivan's ruling, possession of under an ounce of marijuana will still be considered a civil infraction in Grand Rapids, rather than a misdemeanor crime.  Even prior to Sullivan's ruling, Grand Rapids police had been honoring the amendment and writing civil infractions for low level marijuana possession starting on May 1. Forsyth had argued that marijuana decriminalization conflicted with state laws that define marijuana possession as a misdemeanor.  He also said that the new amendment would make it difficult for him to fulfill his responsibilities as county prosecutor. Sullivan wrote in his ruling, "The voters of Grand Rapids had the power to amend the city charter and plaintiff has failed to show that any section of the charter amendment necessarily conflicts with state law.  It is still a crime for one to possess, control, use or give away marijuana in Grand Rapids.  The charter amendment merely creates a civil infraction in the city and directs the city's police resources away from some of these laws."   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/marijuana-decriminalization-stands-in-grand-rapids-michigan/feed/ 1 http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/bipartisan-support-shown-for-marijuana-decriminalizaton-in-michigan/ http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/bipartisan-support-shown-for-marijuana-decriminalizaton-in-michigan/#comments Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:50:02 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4397 The bill would make possession of up to an ounce of marijuana a civil infraction rather than a misdemeanor.  Low level marijuana possession would be punished by a fine rather than jail time.  The fine for a first offense would be $25, followed by fines of $50 for a second offense and $75 for a third offense. Irwin represents Ann Arbor, which enacted marijuana decriminalization over ten years ago.  During a press conference at the Capitol on Wednesday, Irwin said, "We know, and the people here in Michigan know, that marijuana prohibition is not working.  Despite the fact that we're spending a minimum of $325 million a year on arresting, trying and incarcerating marijuana users in this state, we know marijuana has never been more available.  We know that law enforcement has not been successful at keeping marijuana out of the hands of anyone in this state." Shirkey added that he signed on to the bill because he would like to help guarantee bipartisan support.  However, he did say that he would like the language of the bill to be changed to differentiate between adult and minor possession.  He told the press, "This is the right time to have this debate in Michigan.  We're using a lot of money, energy and resources in Michigan and across the nation to accomplish something we've failed at.  If government has a primary role, it is to protect people's freedom.  That doesn't mean we have unfettered freedom... but the best government, by and large, is a smaller, less restraining government." Irwin expects to face resistance from law enforcement officials, but is hopeful that officers who face drug crimes every day may be more open to the legislation than their bosses, who have not been on the front lines in quite a while. It is unclear whether the legislation will ever even make it to a vote.  According to House GOP spokesperson Ari Adler, there are currently other priorities which are above marijuana decriminalization.  Adler told the press, "It will go through the committee process, but we're not going to close the door on having the discussion.  There are a lot of important issues that we have to deal with first."   [Source]]]> The bill would make possession of up to an ounce of marijuana a civil infraction rather than a misdemeanor.  Low level marijuana possession would be punished by a fine rather than jail time.  The fine for a first offense would be $25, followed by fines of $50 for a second offense and $75 for a third offense. Irwin represents Ann Arbor, which enacted marijuana decriminalization over ten years ago.  During a press conference at the Capitol on Wednesday, Irwin said, "We know, and the people here in Michigan know, that marijuana prohibition is not working.  Despite the fact that we're spending a minimum of $325 million a year on arresting, trying and incarcerating marijuana users in this state, we know marijuana has never been more available.  We know that law enforcement has not been successful at keeping marijuana out of the hands of anyone in this state." Shirkey added that he signed on to the bill because he would like to help guarantee bipartisan support.  However, he did say that he would like the language of the bill to be changed to differentiate between adult and minor possession.  He told the press, "This is the right time to have this debate in Michigan.  We're using a lot of money, energy and resources in Michigan and across the nation to accomplish something we've failed at.  If government has a primary role, it is to protect people's freedom.  That doesn't mean we have unfettered freedom... but the best government, by and large, is a smaller, less restraining government." Irwin expects to face resistance from law enforcement officials, but is hopeful that officers who face drug crimes every day may be more open to the legislation than their bosses, who have not been on the front lines in quite a while. It is unclear whether the legislation will ever even make it to a vote.  According to House GOP spokesperson Ari Adler, there are currently other priorities which are above marijuana decriminalization.  Adler told the press, "It will go through the committee process, but we're not going to close the door on having the discussion.  There are a lot of important issues that we have to deal with first."   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/bipartisan-support-shown-for-marijuana-decriminalizaton-in-michigan/feed/ 0 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-medical-marijuana-patient-denied-placement-in-prisons-medical-facility/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-medical-marijuana-patient-denied-placement-in-prisons-medical-facility/#comments Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:28:01 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4331 Jerry Duval, a kidney-pancreas transplant patient with coronary artery disease and a strict medication regimen will be placed in the Federal Correctional Institution in Elkton, Ohio, despite the fact that the sentencing judge recommended that Duval be "placed in a Federal Medical Center or other facility deemed to be appropriate in consideration of the Defendant's medical needs." Duval was convicted in April 2012 of several marijuana-related crimes, including maintaining a drug premises, conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, and manufacture with intent to distribute marijuana.  Due to the fact that it was a US Supreme Court ruling, Duval was not allowed to use his compliance with Michigan's medical marijuana law as a defense. Duval spoke out about his conviction and sentencing.  He said, "The Obama Administration is deceiving the American public by making them believe that the federal government's not going after sick patients.  But I'm living proof that we're not only being targeted, we're also being used to strike fear into thousands of patients across the country." Duval is appealing all of his convictions, but the process could take months or even years.  Duval's son, Jeremy, was also arrested in the case and has been sentenced to 5 years in prison.  He will also be appealing his sentence. Just last year, Montana medical marijuana patient and activist Richard Flor died in federal prison while serving his sentence for a similar conviction.  The DOJ never provided any evidence that Flor was in violation of Montana's medical marijuana law, but the 68 -year-old man who suffered from dementia, depression, and numerous significant health problems was not allowed to use the medical marijuana program in his defense.  Flor's attorneys had asked for him to be released during the appeal, but a US District Judge denied the request because he believed the prison could manage Flor's health requirements.  He passed away shortly after.   [Source]]]> Jerry Duval, a kidney-pancreas transplant patient with coronary artery disease and a strict medication regimen will be placed in the Federal Correctional Institution in Elkton, Ohio, despite the fact that the sentencing judge recommended that Duval be "placed in a Federal Medical Center or other facility deemed to be appropriate in consideration of the Defendant's medical needs." Duval was convicted in April 2012 of several marijuana-related crimes, including maintaining a drug premises, conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, and manufacture with intent to distribute marijuana.  Due to the fact that it was a US Supreme Court ruling, Duval was not allowed to use his compliance with Michigan's medical marijuana law as a defense. Duval spoke out about his conviction and sentencing.  He said, "The Obama Administration is deceiving the American public by making them believe that the federal government's not going after sick patients.  But I'm living proof that we're not only being targeted, we're also being used to strike fear into thousands of patients across the country." Duval is appealing all of his convictions, but the process could take months or even years.  Duval's son, Jeremy, was also arrested in the case and has been sentenced to 5 years in prison.  He will also be appealing his sentence. Just last year, Montana medical marijuana patient and activist Richard Flor died in federal prison while serving his sentence for a similar conviction.  The DOJ never provided any evidence that Flor was in violation of Montana's medical marijuana law, but the 68 -year-old man who suffered from dementia, depression, and numerous significant health problems was not allowed to use the medical marijuana program in his defense.  Flor's attorneys had asked for him to be released during the appeal, but a US District Judge denied the request because he believed the prison could manage Flor's health requirements.  He passed away shortly after.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-medical-marijuana-patient-denied-placement-in-prisons-medical-facility/feed/ 5 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/charges-filed-in-michigan-medical-marijuana-dispensary-raids/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/charges-filed-in-michigan-medical-marijuana-dispensary-raids/#comments Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:21:27 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4298 At the beginning of March, Michigan police led raids on three medical marijuana dispensaries-- Mid-Michigan Compassion Club, Natural Wellness Associates, and Purple Med.  During the raids, officers seized marijuana, edibles, computers and documents. Now, authorities are saying the subsequent investigation has led to additional charges in the cases.  One additional arrest was made on Wednesday, and the Kent County prosecutor's office has issued warrants for two other individuals. Medical marijuana was legalized in Michigan in 2008, but a judge ruled in January that medical marijuana dispensaries are illegal.  Mid-Michigan Compassion Club owner had charges filed against him right after the raids, but has kept his dispensary open because he believes he is following the legal guidelines established by the state.   [Source]]]> At the beginning of March, Michigan police led raids on three medical marijuana dispensaries-- Mid-Michigan Compassion Club, Natural Wellness Associates, and Purple Med.  During the raids, officers seized marijuana, edibles, computers and documents. Now, authorities are saying the subsequent investigation has led to additional charges in the cases.  One additional arrest was made on Wednesday, and the Kent County prosecutor's office has issued warrants for two other individuals. Medical marijuana was legalized in Michigan in 2008, but a judge ruled in January that medical marijuana dispensaries are illegal.  Mid-Michigan Compassion Club owner had charges filed against him right after the raids, but has kept his dispensary open because he believes he is following the legal guidelines established by the state.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/charges-filed-in-michigan-medical-marijuana-dispensary-raids/feed/ 3 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-supreme-court-to-hear-case-of-citys-marijuana-cultivation-ban/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-supreme-court-to-hear-case-of-citys-marijuana-cultivation-ban/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:59:49 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4238 Retired attorney John Ter Beek, a legal Michigan medical marijuana patient, sued the Grand Rapids suburb of Wyoming to challenge a November 2010 city ordinance that made marijuana cultivation a zoning violation. A Kent County judge ruled in Wyoming's favor, but an appellate court reversed the decision. In Wednesday's order, the justices asked attorneys from both sides to prepare legal arguments on whether a local ordinance could preempt Michigan's medical marijuana act.  Justices also want attorneys to prove whether Michigan's medical marijuana law is subject to the federal Controlled Substances Act banning marijuana cultivation and distribution. This case could potentially have big implications for other communities in Michigan.  It could either help marijuana cultivation centers gain footing in resistant towns, or it could allow the towns to ban medical marijuana cultivation all together. Medical marijuana was legalized in Michigan in 2008, but the state has struggled to establish a clear system without loopholes.  Several pieces of legislation are currently being worked on to help clarify medical marijuana regulations.  Some, including ones which extended the validity of a medical marijuana card and made stricter rules for doctor-patient relationships, went into effect on Monday.   [Source]]]> Retired attorney John Ter Beek, a legal Michigan medical marijuana patient, sued the Grand Rapids suburb of Wyoming to challenge a November 2010 city ordinance that made marijuana cultivation a zoning violation. A Kent County judge ruled in Wyoming's favor, but an appellate court reversed the decision. In Wednesday's order, the justices asked attorneys from both sides to prepare legal arguments on whether a local ordinance could preempt Michigan's medical marijuana act.  Justices also want attorneys to prove whether Michigan's medical marijuana law is subject to the federal Controlled Substances Act banning marijuana cultivation and distribution. This case could potentially have big implications for other communities in Michigan.  It could either help marijuana cultivation centers gain footing in resistant towns, or it could allow the towns to ban medical marijuana cultivation all together. Medical marijuana was legalized in Michigan in 2008, but the state has struggled to establish a clear system without loopholes.  Several pieces of legislation are currently being worked on to help clarify medical marijuana regulations.  Some, including ones which extended the validity of a medical marijuana card and made stricter rules for doctor-patient relationships, went into effect on Monday.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-supreme-court-to-hear-case-of-citys-marijuana-cultivation-ban/feed/ 1 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-medical-marijuana-law-changes-take-effect/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-medical-marijuana-law-changes-take-effect/#comments Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:55:45 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4206 The first bill that goes into effect requires physicians to complete face to face evaluations of potential medical marijuana patients, review their medical records, and assess their condition and history.  The amendment also requires physicians to conduct follow up appointments with patients to see if the use of medical marijuana is working to  help their symptoms. Additionally, going forward state medical marijuana cards will be valid for two years instead of one, saving patients money and time.   However, now cards will be slightly more difficult to obtain, as patients will be required to show proof of residence in order to receive a medical marijuana registration card. Another significant change that could cause problems for some Michigan patients is that caregivers will now be disqualified from legally providing marijuana to patients if they have committed a felony within the past 10 years or if they have ever committed assault.  Before this amendment was past, the only regulation on caregivers was that they could not have been convicted of drug felony charges. These changes are a step in the right direction for creating a more regulated system for Michigan.  However, lawmakers' work is not done yet.  Last month, Representative Mike Callton introduced a bill to legalize medical marijuana dispensaries in the state in response to the state Supreme Court's recent ruling that collectives are illegal.   [Source]]]> The first bill that goes into effect requires physicians to complete face to face evaluations of potential medical marijuana patients, review their medical records, and assess their condition and history.  The amendment also requires physicians to conduct follow up appointments with patients to see if the use of medical marijuana is working to  help their symptoms. Additionally, going forward state medical marijuana cards will be valid for two years instead of one, saving patients money and time.   However, now cards will be slightly more difficult to obtain, as patients will be required to show proof of residence in order to receive a medical marijuana registration card. Another significant change that could cause problems for some Michigan patients is that caregivers will now be disqualified from legally providing marijuana to patients if they have committed a felony within the past 10 years or if they have ever committed assault.  Before this amendment was past, the only regulation on caregivers was that they could not have been convicted of drug felony charges. These changes are a step in the right direction for creating a more regulated system for Michigan.  However, lawmakers' work is not done yet.  Last month, Representative Mike Callton introduced a bill to legalize medical marijuana dispensaries in the state in response to the state Supreme Court's recent ruling that collectives are illegal.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-medical-marijuana-law-changes-take-effect/feed/ 1 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/medical-marijuana-dispensaries-raided-in-grand-rapids/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/medical-marijuana-dispensaries-raided-in-grand-rapids/#comments Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:19:48 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4024 The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that medical marijuana patients could not purchase their medicine from a collective.  Instead, they had to grow their own or find a caregiver to provide their medicine for them. However, these shops were still in operation.  The state attorney general gave county prosecutors the green light to start shutting these dispensaries down. The dispensaries that were raided are Natural Wellness, Mid-Michigan Compassion Club, and another location that has yet to be publicized. Police seized marijuana and other products for sale from the dispensaries.  According to the collectives' owners, police also took their checkbooks, financial records, artwork, and computers, among other things. David Overholt, owner of Mid-Michigan Compassion Club, explained, "They took scaled, medicine for our patients, our check books, our logs." According to Lieutenant Rich Nawrocki, police seized everything in order to determine how the dispensaries are running their operations. Overholt says that he is "confused" as to why their collective was raided, because he believes they were operating within the Supreme Court's definition of how patients could access their medicine.  He stated, "A patient would have to arrive with their caregiver in order to receive their meds, or their caregiver would have to be present to pick up their meds for their patients.  So we weren't breaking the interpretation of the supreme court laws." Lieutenant Nawrocki said that investigators will use the evidence they found to prepare cases for the county prosecutor's office.  The prosecutor's office will then determine whether they want to file a case against the dispensaries. The fact that raids are happening so soon after the Supreme Court's ruling against dispensaries puts medical marijuana patients in a tight spot.  Even if patients were wanting to start to grow their own medicine, they have only had a few weeks since the Supreme Court's ruling.  While they work to get their grows up and running, patients may be forced to turn to the black market in order to supplement their stash.     [Source]]]> The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that medical marijuana patients could not purchase their medicine from a collective.  Instead, they had to grow their own or find a caregiver to provide their medicine for them. However, these shops were still in operation.  The state attorney general gave county prosecutors the green light to start shutting these dispensaries down. The dispensaries that were raided are Natural Wellness, Mid-Michigan Compassion Club, and another location that has yet to be publicized. Police seized marijuana and other products for sale from the dispensaries.  According to the collectives' owners, police also took their checkbooks, financial records, artwork, and computers, among other things. David Overholt, owner of Mid-Michigan Compassion Club, explained, "They took scaled, medicine for our patients, our check books, our logs." According to Lieutenant Rich Nawrocki, police seized everything in order to determine how the dispensaries are running their operations. Overholt says that he is "confused" as to why their collective was raided, because he believes they were operating within the Supreme Court's definition of how patients could access their medicine.  He stated, "A patient would have to arrive with their caregiver in order to receive their meds, or their caregiver would have to be present to pick up their meds for their patients.  So we weren't breaking the interpretation of the supreme court laws." Lieutenant Nawrocki said that investigators will use the evidence they found to prepare cases for the county prosecutor's office.  The prosecutor's office will then determine whether they want to file a case against the dispensaries. The fact that raids are happening so soon after the Supreme Court's ruling against dispensaries puts medical marijuana patients in a tight spot.  Even if patients were wanting to start to grow their own medicine, they have only had a few weeks since the Supreme Court's ruling.  While they work to get their grows up and running, patients may be forced to turn to the black market in order to supplement their stash.     [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/medical-marijuana-dispensaries-raided-in-grand-rapids/feed/ 0 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-judge-rules-that-medical-marijuana-users-can-collect-unemployment-benefits/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-judge-rules-that-medical-marijuana-users-can-collect-unemployment-benefits/#comments Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:31:33 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4018 The case involves a former employee of Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital in Charlotte, Mi.  Jenine Kemp used marijuana edibles to help manage symptoms associated with Lupus and neuropathy. Kemp had disclosed her medical marijuana patient status to her employer early on in her employment, but was fired from her job at the hospital after a drug test came back positive for THC. Kemp's duties at the hospital included performing CT scans and starting IVs. According to Collette's ruling, the drug test "merely demonstrated what she had informed her employer of prior to the test - that she uses medical marijuana." Medical marijuana has been legal in Michigan since 2008.  This ruling could be the precedent to help medical marijuana patients keep their jobs, or at least to allow them to receive benefits after losing their job.   [Source]]]> The case involves a former employee of Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital in Charlotte, Mi.  Jenine Kemp used marijuana edibles to help manage symptoms associated with Lupus and neuropathy. Kemp had disclosed her medical marijuana patient status to her employer early on in her employment, but was fired from her job at the hospital after a drug test came back positive for THC. Kemp's duties at the hospital included performing CT scans and starting IVs. According to Collette's ruling, the drug test "merely demonstrated what she had informed her employer of prior to the test - that she uses medical marijuana." Medical marijuana has been legal in Michigan since 2008.  This ruling could be the precedent to help medical marijuana patients keep their jobs, or at least to allow them to receive benefits after losing their job.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-judge-rules-that-medical-marijuana-users-can-collect-unemployment-benefits/feed/ 4 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/michigan-representative-introduces-marijuana-decriminalization-bill/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/michigan-representative-introduces-marijuana-decriminalization-bill/#comments Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:26:39 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3815 Michigan State Representative Jeff Irwin plans to introduce a bill in the state House of Representatives that would lessen the penalties for using marijuana.  Several communities in Michigan have already voted to decriminalize marijuana possession, but this new bill would change the law statewide. He explained, "We must take those policies that are already governing a good percentage of people in Michigan, and are working just fine, and apply those policies statewide.  And by doing so, we will free up a lot of law enforcement resources." The bill would decriminalize low level marijuana possession and change the penalty to a fine rather than jail time. Irwin believes that the state wastes millions of dollars by "running marijuana users through the court system and doing so at a great cost to our state and at great cost to those individuals and their futures."   [Source]  ]]> Michigan State Representative Jeff Irwin plans to introduce a bill in the state House of Representatives that would lessen the penalties for using marijuana.  Several communities in Michigan have already voted to decriminalize marijuana possession, but this new bill would change the law statewide. He explained, "We must take those policies that are already governing a good percentage of people in Michigan, and are working just fine, and apply those policies statewide.  And by doing so, we will free up a lot of law enforcement resources." The bill would decriminalize low level marijuana possession and change the penalty to a fine rather than jail time. Irwin believes that the state wastes millions of dollars by "running marijuana users through the court system and doing so at a great cost to our state and at great cost to those individuals and their futures."   [Source]  ]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/michigan-representative-introduces-marijuana-decriminalization-bill/feed/ 5 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-supreme-court-rules-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-not-legal/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-supreme-court-rules-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-not-legal/#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2013 16:52:40 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3805 Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr. and justices Stephen J. Markman, Mary Beth Kelly and Brian Zahra upheld the opinion of the Michigan Court of Appeals, which ruled on the case after then-prosecutor Larry Burdick filed an appeal following Isabella County Trial Judge Paul Chamberlain’s ruling that the dispensary, which facilitated patient-to-patient sales, was legal. The justice's opinion explained that collectives are not included in the law, "Because the MMMA's immunity provision clearly contemplates that a registered qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana only occur for the purpose of alleviating his own debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with his debilitating medical condition, and not another patient's condition or symptoms." Caregivers are still protected from prosecution, as long as they only provide marijuana to a qualifying patient who they are connected with via the state's registration process. Justice Cavanagh submitted a dissenting opinion, stating "The majority’s view is inconsistent with the purpose of the MMMA—to promote the “health and welfare of [Michigan] citizens”—because qualified patients who are in need of marijuana for medical use, yet do not have the ability to either cultivate marijuana or find a trustworthy primary caregiver, are, for all practical purposes, deprived of an additional route to obtain marijuana for that use—another qualified patient’s transfer. MCL 333.26422(c)." As a result of the ruling, Michigan Attorney Bill Schuette has now announced that he is telling county prosecutors to force the closure of all dispensaries in the state.  He said, “Dispensaries will have to close their doors. Sales or transfers between patients or between caregivers and patients other than their own are not permitted under the Medical Marijuana Act.” Schuette continued to explain that, based on the ruling, he would “send a letter to Michigan’s 83 county prosecutors explaining that the ruling clearly empowers them to close dispensaries and include instructions on how to file similar nuisance actions to close dispensaries in their own counties."     [Source]  ]]> Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr. and justices Stephen J. Markman, Mary Beth Kelly and Brian Zahra upheld the opinion of the Michigan Court of Appeals, which ruled on the case after then-prosecutor Larry Burdick filed an appeal following Isabella County Trial Judge Paul Chamberlain’s ruling that the dispensary, which facilitated patient-to-patient sales, was legal. The justice's opinion explained that collectives are not included in the law, "Because the MMMA's immunity provision clearly contemplates that a registered qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana only occur for the purpose of alleviating his own debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with his debilitating medical condition, and not another patient's condition or symptoms." Caregivers are still protected from prosecution, as long as they only provide marijuana to a qualifying patient who they are connected with via the state's registration process. Justice Cavanagh submitted a dissenting opinion, stating "The majority’s view is inconsistent with the purpose of the MMMA—to promote the “health and welfare of [Michigan] citizens”—because qualified patients who are in need of marijuana for medical use, yet do not have the ability to either cultivate marijuana or find a trustworthy primary caregiver, are, for all practical purposes, deprived of an additional route to obtain marijuana for that use—another qualified patient’s transfer. MCL 333.26422(c)." As a result of the ruling, Michigan Attorney Bill Schuette has now announced that he is telling county prosecutors to force the closure of all dispensaries in the state.  He said, “Dispensaries will have to close their doors. Sales or transfers between patients or between caregivers and patients other than their own are not permitted under the Medical Marijuana Act.” Schuette continued to explain that, based on the ruling, he would “send a letter to Michigan’s 83 county prosecutors explaining that the ruling clearly empowers them to close dispensaries and include instructions on how to file similar nuisance actions to close dispensaries in their own counties."     [Source]  ]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-supreme-court-rules-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-not-legal/feed/ 13 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-government-raking-in-profits-from-medical-marijuana-program/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-government-raking-in-profits-from-medical-marijuana-program/#comments Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:23:16 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3771 Those revenues come from both patients, who pay a $100 fee when they apply for the program, and caregivers, who also pay a fee to the state. Last year, some Michigan counties saw as much as a 56% increase in the number of registered medical marijuana patients. Michigan's medical marijuana program may be facing some changes from lawmakers who wish to tighten up and clarify areas of the law.  But what is clear is that it is bringing a significant amount of revenue to the state.   [Source]]]> Those revenues come from both patients, who pay a $100 fee when they apply for the program, and caregivers, who also pay a fee to the state. Last year, some Michigan counties saw as much as a 56% increase in the number of registered medical marijuana patients. Michigan's medical marijuana program may be facing some changes from lawmakers who wish to tighten up and clarify areas of the law.  But what is clear is that it is bringing a significant amount of revenue to the state.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/michigan-government-raking-in-profits-from-medical-marijuana-program/feed/ 8 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/armed-thieves-rob-medical-marijuana-caregiver/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/armed-thieves-rob-medical-marijuana-caregiver/#comments Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:14:51 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3648 James Finch claims to grow medical marijuana for patients other than himself.  On Sunday night he heard a knock at the front door of his home and upon answering, three men rushed into his home. The men were armed and police suspect they knew that Finch had marijuana in the home. According to Allegan police Detective Jay Gibson, "He struggled with one suspect and disarmed the suspect.  The other suspect shot him in the leg." Finch could not find his phone to call 911 so he drove himself to the hospital.  He had surgery on his leg but is expected to recover. Surveillance cameras were set up in the home, and police are now seeking the public's help in identifying the three men.  Finch could not identify the men, but police suspect that he may have known the suspects or someone who is acquainted with the suspects because they targeted the home with the medical marijuana grow. Allegan is a small town of approximately 5,000 residents in south western Michigan. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call the Allegan City Police Department at 269-673--2115.   [Source]]]> James Finch claims to grow medical marijuana for patients other than himself.  On Sunday night he heard a knock at the front door of his home and upon answering, three men rushed into his home. The men were armed and police suspect they knew that Finch had marijuana in the home. According to Allegan police Detective Jay Gibson, "He struggled with one suspect and disarmed the suspect.  The other suspect shot him in the leg." Finch could not find his phone to call 911 so he drove himself to the hospital.  He had surgery on his leg but is expected to recover. Surveillance cameras were set up in the home, and police are now seeking the public's help in identifying the three men.  Finch could not identify the men, but police suspect that he may have known the suspects or someone who is acquainted with the suspects because they targeted the home with the medical marijuana grow. Allegan is a small town of approximately 5,000 residents in south western Michigan. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call the Allegan City Police Department at 269-673--2115.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/armed-thieves-rob-medical-marijuana-caregiver/feed/ 9 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/parkinsons-disease-could-be-added-to-michigans-list-of-qualifying-conditions-for-medical-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/parkinsons-disease-could-be-added-to-michigans-list-of-qualifying-conditions-for-medical-marijuana/#comments Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:55:35 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3513 The hearing is planned for January 25th at 1 PM at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing.  Members of the community will be able to attend, but those who cannot attend will be able to submit written comments through March 11. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is the group responsible for ultimately determining whether a condition should or should  not be added to the list.  Michigan's current list of qualifying illnesses for medical marijuana use includes: cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn's, Alzheimer's, nail patella, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, wasting syndrome, severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, and severe muscle spasms. No additions have been made to the  list since Michigan voters approved the medical marijuana law in 2008.  A panel met in December to discuss the addition of both Parkinson's and PTSD, but they only  moved forward with potentially adding the former to the list.   [Source]]]> The hearing is planned for January 25th at 1 PM at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing.  Members of the community will be able to attend, but those who cannot attend will be able to submit written comments through March 11. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is the group responsible for ultimately determining whether a condition should or should  not be added to the list.  Michigan's current list of qualifying illnesses for medical marijuana use includes: cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn's, Alzheimer's, nail patella, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, wasting syndrome, severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, and severe muscle spasms. No additions have been made to the  list since Michigan voters approved the medical marijuana law in 2008.  A panel met in December to discuss the addition of both Parkinson's and PTSD, but they only  moved forward with potentially adding the former to the list.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/parkinsons-disease-could-be-added-to-michigans-list-of-qualifying-conditions-for-medical-marijuana/feed/ 1