The state House has approved the first amendments to Michigan’s medical marijuana law since it was approved by voters in 2008. The changes require three-quarter super-majority votes in both the House and Senate.
State Representative John Walsh says the voter-approved law left open a lot of questions.
“These are very simple things that are not defined in the act, and what we’re trying to do is just provide some more definition,” he says.
The measures would require an in-person doctor’s visit at least every other year to qualify for a marijuana card; let law enforcement check medical marijuana records; and ban medical marijuana from the passenger area of vehicles.
A handful of lawmakers, like state Representative Lisa Brown, said the Legislature should tread lightly when it comes to amending a law that was approved by voters.
“Are we concerned that, in a fit of road rage, someone pulls out their useable marijuana?” she asks.
Some marijuana advocates have responded by launching a drive to put a question to legalize marijuana on the November ballot.