© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Senators propose new marijuana rules

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI (MPRN) – LANSING, MI (MPRN) - Some Republican lawmakers at the state Capitol are proposing amendments to Michigan's voter-approved medical marijuana law. They say the law makes it too easy to divert prescription marijuana for illegal purposes.

The law allows terminal and chronically ill patients or caregivers to get a state license and doctor's prescription for up to 12 seeds to grow their own pot. The state's issued more than 15 hundred licenses.

State Senator Gerald Van Woerkom says it will be tough for state regulators to keep track of all those growers. He is concerned that people will be able to grow a lot of extra marijuana under the current rules.

Van Woerkom says there's already a system in place for getting controlled substances to patients. He says the state should allow no more than 10 growers to distribute medicinal marijuana through pharmacies.

Before that can happen, though, federal laws would have to be changed. It is still a federal crime to grow or sell marijuana for any reason.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!