cannabisnews.com: Debate Heats Up Over Med Marijuana Ballot Measure





Debate Heats Up Over Med Marijuana Ballot Measure
Posted by CN Staff on July 13, 2004 at 19:32:25 PT
By The Associated Press
Source: Associated Press 
Detroit -- A vote on whether to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes in Detroit is seen by organizers of the ballot initiative as a stepping stone to rewriting the state's drug laws.The proposal would create an exception in the city code for patients who have a doctor's permission to use marijuana. If it passes, the effect would be largely symbolic, since it wouldn't affect state or federal laws that allow prosecution of those possessing or using marijuana.
The initiative's organizers still would count success as an important first step. "Our supporters find it reprehensible that an individual that is under a doctor's care that has a legitimate, serious illness can be denied medicine that works for them," said Timothy Beck, founder of Detroit Coalition for Compassionate Care, which has sought to put the issue before voters for years.The coalition collected the necessary signatures to get "Proposal M" on the Aug. 3 primary ballot. If that proposal and a similar one in Ann Arbor to be voted on in November pass, Beck said his group plans to work with lawmakers to put the issue before the state Legislature or push for a statewide ballot initiative that would make the policy state law."It will be an inspiration," Beck said. "Others will be willing to support it. If not, then 2006 will be ripe for petition."But opponents of the Detroit ballot initiative have launched a campaign to educate people about marijuana use and its effects on the community in an attempt to encourage voters to reject the proposal.Andre Johnson, program manager for the Partnership for a Drug-Free Detroit, said the ballot initiative is an attempt to move toward broader legalization of marijuana that could send the wrong message to young people about drug use."It's all a smoke screen. It is not about people who are ill or people who are sick," Johnson said. "They're not thinking about the youth. Our primary concern is protecting the youth and protecting quality of life."If the proposal passes, those in Detroit who use marijuana for medical purposes still could face prosecution.Agencies such as the Michigan State Police and the Wayne County sheriff's department, which patrol within the city limits, wouldn't be bound by a change in the city code. A spokesman for state Attorney General Mike Cox said Michigan law still would allow any marijuana user to be prosecuted."In general, state law trumps local ordinances. This wouldn't affect current state law," Stu Sandler said. "County prosecutors are sworn officers of the state that need to uphold state law."Detroit police spokesman Derek Jones said medical marijuana users could face prosecution if they can't prove they have a prescription. He added that broader drug-enforcement efforts wouldn't be affected by a change in city code.The question of whether states can legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes has reached the U.S. Supreme Court.In June, the court said it will decide whether the federal government can prosecute sick people who smoke marijuana on the advice of a doctor. The case involves the Bush administration's appeal of a case it lost involving two California women who say marijuana is the only drug that eases chronic pain.The case also affects Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Oregon and Washington state, which have similar medical marijuana laws. Vermont's medical marijuana law took effect July 1. Note: Proponents Say Detroit's Proposal 'M' Marks Step In Changing State Law.Complete Title: Debate Heats Up Over Medical Marijuana Ballot MeasureSource: Associated Press Published:  July 13, 2004Copyright: 2004 The Associated Press Related Articles & Web Site:Detroit Coalition for Compassionate Carehttp://www.mmdetroit.org/Medicinal Pot Headed To '04 Detroit Ballot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17843.shtml Medical Marijuana Could be Relief for Pain http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11700.shtml
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Comment #7 posted by ekim on July 14, 2004 at 21:01:10 PT
we need the people running for office to come
any one wishing to represent the people must anwser this question will you keep the longest running war on the people of this great nation going or will you change the laws and stop this costly war that is draining Billions.Where is Dennis or the John johns what is the differnce in a Dem or a GOP platform anyway.
http://www.leap.cc
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on July 14, 2004 at 20:38:50 PT
ekim 
I'll do that. 
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Comment #5 posted by ekim on July 14, 2004 at 20:16:38 PT
Yes FoM say a little prayer 
 for the Montels of the world to come to Detroit. Something like Montel we know you have given much for the good of the people. Please try one more time to come to the City. bring your closes friends and put the call out for all those in show business to come to the aid of the Motor City known as Motown. 
 Can you imagine all the record money made from that city, where are the Stars that will give a voice to the 80% of the People that value this herb to the few lawmakers and enforcers that do not represent the 80% they should have to at least debate someone with as much name recognition as they. Please Montel come to Detroit and speak with Howard Wooldridge of www.Leap.cc 
Lets have a Patient and a Law Man on the same stage together. 
http://www.leap.cc
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on July 14, 2004 at 17:58:52 PT
mayan
You're welcome. They sure are going to fight this. Hopefully Montel will help out with a commercial or two or more.
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Comment #3 posted by mayan on July 14, 2004 at 17:28:18 PT
Thanks, FoM!
For the poll, that is! The Yes's have taken a slim lead. Keep voting!Yes - 50.82%
 No - 49.18%
 
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on July 13, 2004 at 23:11:44 PT
Poll: Should Medical Marijuana Be Legal?
Detroit News CyberSurvey resultsMedical marijuanaA proposal to legalize marijuana for individuals with a medical need will appear on the ballot in Detroit. How would you vote? Current Results: 
Yes -- 44.15% 
No -- 55.85%
 
 Please Vote: http://www.detnews.com/2004/politics/0407/14/c01-212245.htm
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Comment #1 posted by ekim on July 13, 2004 at 21:02:41 PT
Dick Cowan calls out the Doctor
http://www.marijuananews.com/news.php3?sid=754
In a press release, “Marijuana as medicine?”— dated October 10, 2003, which was sent to the New England Governors' Summit on Drug Use, Dr. Barthwell, wrote, “The hoax of using a smoked weed as medicine is the Trojan Horse of the new millennium. The claim that marijuana can be used as medicine is proving to be one of the worst scams drug legalizers have perpetrated on the American people. Howard Wooldridge the Leap -Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, Media Director will be in MI for upcoming Medical Vote in Detroit. 
www.leap.cc/events July 19- Howard in Kalamazoo MI being interviewed on WMU WIDR 89.1 fm from Noon to 1pm. 
Then later Howard will be the guest on Amos in the evening from 7pm to 8pm on Ch 19 for a live call in show on the "Failed Drug War" Jul 20 04 Williamston Sunrise Rotary 07:30 AM Howard Wooldridge Williamston
Michigan USA
 The Williamston Sunrise Rotary welcomes Board Member Howard Wooldridge to
discuss viable alternatives to the failure of drug prohibition.Jul 21 04 Flint Sunrise Rotary 07:00 AM Howard Wooldridge Flint Michigan USA
 Board Member Howard Wooldridge is "In Like Flint" when he meets with
members of the Flint Sunrise Rotary to discuss issues related to the failed
war on drugs.Jul 22 04 Lansing-DeWitt Sunrise Rotary 07:30 AM Howard Wooldridge Lansing
Michigan USA
 Rise and shine with Board Member Howard Wooldridge as he breakfasts with
members of the Lansing-DeWitt Sunrise Rotary and discusses issues related to
the failed war on drugs.Jul 22 04 Garden City (Detroit) Rotary 12:00 PM Howard Wooldridge Garden
City Michigan USA
 Board Member Howard Wooldridge grows tall and drops seeds of common sense
when he meets with members of the Garden City (Detroit) Rotary to discuss
issues related to drug prohibition.Jul 26 04 Canton Rotary 12:00 PM Howard Wooldridge Canton Michigan USA
 Board Member Howard Wooldridge lunches with members of the Canton Rotary
to discuss the social and financial impact of the failed war on drugs.Jul 27 04 Dearborn Fairlane Rotary 07:00 AM Howard Wooldridge Dearborn
Michigan USA
 After cruising into town, Board Member Howard Wooldridge breakfasts with
memebers of the Dearborn Fairlane Rotary to discuss the financial and social
impact of the failed war on drugs.Jul 27 04 Delta-Waverly Rotary Club 12:00 PM Howard Wooldridge Lansing
Michigan USA
 Members of the Delta-Waverly Rotary Club lunch with Board Member Howard
Wooldridge to discuss alternatives to the failed war on drugs.Jul 27 04 New Boston / Huron Twp Rotary 06:30 PM Howard Wooldridge New
Boston Michigan USA
 Board Member Howard Wooldridge meets with members of the New Boston /
Huron Twp Rotary to discuss issues related to America's failed war on drugs.Jul 28 04 Woodhaven Rotary 07:30 AM Howard Wooldridge Woodhaven Michigan USA
 Board Member Howard Wooldridge breakfasts with members of the Woodhaven
Rotary to explore viable alternatives to the failed war on drugs.Jul 28 04 Dearborn Heights Rotary 12:00 PM Howard Wooldridge Dearborn
Heights Michigan USA
 Board Member Howard Wooldridge meets with members of the Dearborn Heights
Rotary to discuss viable alternatives to the failed war on drugs.Jul 29 04 Lincoln Park (Metro Detroit) Rotary 12:00 PM Howard Wooldridge
Lincoln Park Michigan USA
 Honest Abe would be proud of Board Member Howard Wooldridge as he tells
the truth about the failed war on drugs to members of the Lincoln Park
(Metro Detroit) Rotary.
http://www.leap.cc
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