In Michigan, a proposal has been introduced to close all operating medical marijuana dispensaries until the state starts officially licensing them caused an outrage from people who depend on marijuana to treat a variety of disorders and illnesses.
Donald Bailey, a retired Michigan State Police trooper and member of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Board, reported the dispensaries should be shut down by Sept. 5 and any outlets that remain open should not be eligible to apply for licenses when the state makes those applications available on Dec. 15.
“Every dispensary out there is open in violation of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act,” Bailey reported. “It’s a felony for every sale that occurs from a dispensary.”
After hearing the opinion of dozens of medical marijuana patients and potential cannabis business owners, the board chose to put a hold on Bailey’s proposal.
“I have a degenerative bone disorder and discovering medical marijuana was a game changer for me,” stated Mark Gibson of Detroit. “Before you make a rash decision, the financial cost for people who rely on dispensaries for product will be significant. You will complicate their life so much that they may not be able to get treatment.”
Kirk Reed, who uses medical marijuana to treat multiple sclerosis, states he’s scared of having to go back to the black market to get cannabis.
“What happens if your caregiver has a heart attack, where do you go for medicine?” he added.
Also, Tim Beck, who was a key part in getting the medical marijuana constitutional amendment on the 2008 ballot, said he was astonished when he heard the proposal.
“This comes across to me as petty, vindictive and authoritarian,” he reported.
Though not everyone that attended the meeting felt the same way. Some people who want a license when the state starts accepting applications don’t want to be blackballed from the market by people who have been operating dispensaries without a license from the state.
David Scott, the supervisor of Commerce Township, reported there are 67 grow operations in his city, many of which are growing more plants than are permitted by the existing law.
“Knock off the crap that’s illegal and is nothing but organized crime,” he stated.
Voters approved medical marijuana in 2008, allowing caregivers to grow up to 12 plants for each of six patients who have approved medical marijuana cards.
Before the state begins issuing licenses, cities, townships, and villages have to approve if they want these businesses opening in their communities.
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