Michigan packs the House, House of Reps.

[hashcraver]

There were well over 200 in the house today.

Thank you all for showing up to talk to the Judiciary Committee today. It showed them we are not going away.

The best part of today was seeing the whole committee paying attention to each person testifying. Not the typical committee hearing I have been to.

http://www.wilx.com/news/localnews/...ge-State-Medical-Marijuana-Law-234650731.html

 

[hashcraver]

MIRS BREAKING NEWS: Medical Marijuana Reforms Win Big In The House -- 4:28 p.m.
www.mirsnews.com/alert.php?alert_id=1665
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Some lopsided votes on medical marijuana in the House this afternoon left Rep. Mike CALLTON (R-Nashville) talking about a "paradigm shift."

Over the years, the focus in the medical marijuana debate has become more and more about the patients instead of recreational use, Callton said of the shift.

"When you see a mother bring her child in that was having hundreds of seizures a day and is now having three seizures a week," Callton explained, "then, you've got to believe."

This afternoon House members voted 95-14 for HB 5271, Callton's bill, which gives local governments the power to regulate marijuana "provisioning centers" to service medical marijuana patients.

Soon after, the House voted 100-9 for HB 5104, sponsored by Rep. Eileen KOWALL (R-White Lake), which lays out how much non-smoked medical marijuana is acceptable for use.

And finally, House members voted 87-22 for SB 0660, sponsored by Sen. Roger KAHN (R-Saginaw), which would allow prescription-grade marijuana to be sold at a pharmacy if the federal government knocks it down from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 2 drug.

Callton's bill aims to provide a better legal framework for the distribution of medical marijuana through provisioning centers. The state's past laws on dispensaries have faced various legal challenges that have made it more difficult for them operate effectively.

In an interview this afternoon, Callton, a chiropractor by trade, said his focus is on patients who need medical care.

"This is a bill that is going to help families that are in need in Michigan," Callton said.

Fourteen House members voted against the measure. They were Minority Leader Tim GREIMEL (D-Auburn Hills) and Reps. Theresa ABED (D-Grand Ledge), Ray FRANZ (R-Onekama), Tom HOOKER (R-Byron Center), Ken KURTZ (R-Coldwater), Collene LAMONTE (D-Montague), Dan LAUWERS (R-Brockway Twp.) Matt LORI (R-Constantine), Peter MacGREGOR (R-Rockford), Amanda PRICE (R-Holland), Bill ROGERS (R-Brighton), Alberta TINSLEY-TALABI (D-Detroit), Roger VICTORY (R-Hudsonville) and Dale ZORN (R-Ida).

Lori, a former sheriff, said his law enforcement background led to his "no" vote on the bill. The entire medical marijuana system, Lori said, needs work.

"Those who have a legitimate need I certainly have a great amount of compassion for them," Lori said.

The National Patients Rights Association (NPRA) touted the House bills in a press release earlier this week.

"We are very pleased to see widespread bi-partisan support for increased patient safety coming from our leaders in the House of Representatives," the organization said in a statement. "It is clear that our state representatives have a genuine concern for the health and safety of medical marijuana patients and we applaud their work to protect them."

As for HB 5104, the group said the bill would "protect patients who use non-smoking forms of medical marijuana while setting reasonable regulations for labeling and distribution."

Kowall added in a press release, "We have worked diligently to address the concerns of both patients and law enforcement, and this bill strikes a balance between them.

"Medical marijuana patients deserve clear laws, and House Bill 5104 gives patients safe access to the effective, alternative delivery methods they need while equipping law enforcement with specific guidelines to determine the law is being carried out."

 

[hashcraver]

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/billengrossed/House/pdf/2013-HEBH-4271.pdf

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/billengrossed/House/pdf/2013-HEBH-5104.pdf

 

[paladin420]

Law enforcement has had clear guidelines. The one's they don't shit on they just ignore. Take away their power over mmj and I'll believe one of these laws is good for me or my patients.
Until then I'll still be at war.

 

[hashcraver]

Call your Senator and get the one passed you like. I myself don't like how SB 660 was fast tracked through both houses . A few amendments happened but it is still a bad bill.

 

[paladin420]

Call your Senator and get the one passed you like. I myself don't like how SB 660 was fast tracked through both houses . A few amendments happened but it is still a bad bill.

I have other plans to make our elected officials listen. They can call me.
Yeah 660 is a total piece of shit. The only good that bill does is give us the names of our enemies in the senate. Targets for next fall.