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DrugScreening.org


 
Midwest is New Hotspot for Medical Marijuana
July 15, 2008

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News Summary

Michigan could soon become the first state in the U.S. heartland to allow the use of medical marijuana, signaling a regional upsurge in interest in the issue, the Chicago Tribune reported July 13.

Michigan voters will go to the polls in November to decide whether to legalize the medical use of the drug. A dozen states have already adopted similar laws, but only in New England and west of the Rockies. Five municipalities in Michigan have passed local medical-marijuana laws, however, and the Minnesota Senate and Illinois House recently approved medical-marijuana bill (both later died in the state legislatures). Medical use of marijuana also has been debated by lawmakers in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

The Michigan ballot initiative is currently facing no organized opposition after the Michigan State Medical Society dropped its objections and pledged to remain neutral on the issue. "We're keeping an open mind that marijuana in limited amounts can help some," said society president Michael Sandler.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Art Angles on 05 Aug 08 02:16 PM EDT
Come on folks. We know prohibition doesn't work. Alcohol proved that. It's only when you see what fewlz drunks can be that you decide at young age not to be that fewl. If pot, and other drugs, were legal the same evaluation/evolution would occur. Once again - doesn't this look all too familiar. Illegal drugs fuel organized crime, just as illegal alcohol did. We've tried this b4, it doesn't work. Well, except for the folks getting rich on it.

Posted by Frank IWinkler on 18 Jul 08 12:02 PM EDT
I just have to take issue with Erin's comments. Who / what are your sources for your argument? "The only reason...taxing it..." People could also and sometimes do, and the produce their own alcohol and grow their own tobacco. And the revenue from fines etc., doesn't begin to cover the costs incurred by the criminal justice and mediacl/treatment system. I don't argue that there needs to be alternatives like drug courts for first time offenders, but please consider the terrible impact of people harmed by drivers under the influence of pot, the many in treatment, and the impact to families and communities by those addicted to "good old harmleess" weed. The increasingly prevalent myth that marijuana is somehow harmless and beneficial in fact is doing tremendous harm to our nation. Don't take my word for it-- check the considerable and growing research, not just here, but globally.

Posted by erin on 16 Jul 08 04:53 PM EDT
Even if the only reason marijuana were to be legalized was to get legally high, medical or not, think about how many harmless people will be out of our overcrowded jails, become productive members of scoiety and leave the cell for rapists, murders and thiefs. People who actually are causing harm to others. The only reason marijuana is not legalized is because of the difficulty the government would have taxing it and the rediculous amount of money they make off fines, probation fees, and the money they get when they are paid off not to turn dealers in.

Posted by Pat on 16 Jul 08 12:47 PM EDT
If they are going to legalize marijuana, why not go on and legalize all illicit drugs?? Research appears to indicate that it does lead to the use of other drugs such as cocaine, etc.. Also, current research appears to indicate that marijauna in itself is not as safe as many would like to admit! It appears to be associated with shrinkage of the brain, psychotic behavior, addiction, et., etc., etc.. Pro marijuana persons appear to be in denial regarding this dangerous drug. And one should not be so naive as to believe if it is legalized for medicinal purposes that it will only be issued for medicinal purposes or its use blamed on medicinal reasons which will have to be tried in court to prove otherwise, causing unnecessary expense.

Posted by Frank Winkler on 16 Jul 08 12:00 PM EDT
I am reminded of the old catchphrase, "None are so blind as those who refuse to see." When it comes to leagaizing the right to get high on pot, any argument, no matter how rediculous, is subject to be thrown in our collective face. How ironic it is- and history refelects this only too clearly- that the big lie is easier to sell than the small one. This issue has been addressed time and again ad nauseum, yet proponents for legalization choose to put on their blinders and preach "medication" as a holy grail for legalization. Sadly, it works seemingly all too well, given the number of states who have thrown in the towel and seek to present this issue to the largely uninformed electorate for approval, who in most instances really don't have a clue about what they are voting on, or its actual consequences. All this to be able to get high legally. How sad.

Posted by Nancy on 16 Jul 08 01:36 AM EDT
Absolutely they need to legalize it! Stop tantalizing kids and adults with it! Treat them as responsible adults and you'll get that from them! After all, we make the decisions to go to the doctor if we believe we're ill enough don't we? Stand up for responsible choice and cheaper access to needed medication!

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