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US: Medical marijuana supporters rally at Capitol for rights
Detroit Free Press Wednesday 04 Sep 2013 Michigan has allowed regulated use of medical marijuana since 2008, when voters approved a statewide ballot measure. But some medical marijuana users, such as Lansing resident Steve Green, said they continue to be targeted and prosecuted with drug crimes. “We’re here to highlight the injustices that are happening and bring to light for the public to see that this act is not being followed the way it was intended to be,” said Green, who is affiliated with the Human Solution, a national organization that supports the decriminalization of marijuana use. “There’s an outrage,” Green said. “It’s mainly to show the public what’s really going on.” Law enforcement officials in Michigan dispute Green’s claims but acknowledge there is still a fog around implementing and enforcing medical marijuana regulations. “Arrests of legal patients are very rare,” said Terry Jungel, a retired Ionia County sheriff and the executive director of the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. Jungel said issues often arise when patients can’t prove registration or there are issues with registration cards being valid. “The problem is not the magnitude they’re making it out to be,” Jungel said, “but there are still lots of unresolved issues with medical marijuana.” The gathering at the Capitol featured live entertainment and lasted most of Wednesday, drawing sparse crowds of supporters and onlookers. Medical marijuana supporters used the venue to showcase several individuals they say were wrongfully imprisoned. Green said he and his wife, Maria, are being prosecuted in Oakland County for marijuana possession, but he says they are properly registered to use the drug for medicinal purposes. Green said he suffers from severe epilepsy, while his wife has multiple sclerosis. “We would hope some legislators would get involved and speak out on our behalf,” Green said. “We’re seeing no department or the state standing up for the patients at all.” Joy Yearout, spokeswoman for Attorney General Bill Schuette, declined to comment on the rally or answer questions on the subject. Michigan State Police spokeswoman Tiffany Brown said her agency “recognizes the protections provided by the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act for the medical use of marihuana and has been an active participant in the ongoing legislative efforts to further clarify the voter-initiated law.” Marijuana, even for medicinal purposes, remains illegal under federal law. U.S. Justice Department officials said last week they would no longer challenge state efforts to legalize marijuana, so long as it doesn’t violate certain federal drug enforcement priorities. Green said that message, while positive, offers little hope for him. “This isn’t the first time they’ve said that and they’ve still arrested people after saying that,” Green said. “So I don’t put a lot of faith in that statement, but it’s encouraging to see that come forward.” Kristen M. Daum is a reporter for the Lansing State Journal. She can be reached at kdaum@lsj.com http://www.freep.com/article/20130904/NEWS06/309040115/Medical-marijuana-supporters-rally-rights
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