The House Judiciary Committee began hearings this week on four bills introduced last year to add clarity to Michigan’s 2008 medical marijuana law. The substitute measures contain some of the provisions of other bills introduced at the same time; however, according to the panel’s Chair, Representative John Walsh (R-Livonia), the Committee will not yet be addressing the dispensary issue.
Committee members took testimony this week from a representative of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan regarding the 2008 law, the history of its enactment and a description of current litigation involving the statute. The panel is expected to take testimony from interest groups next week and public testimony the following week.
Representative Philip Cavanaugh (D-Redford Township) and Representative Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth) presented their recommendations for change as co-chairs of a bipartisan workgroup. Any changes face an uphill fight as legislation will require a three-quarters majority as it will be amending law enacted by the voters.
There are currently more than 130,000 individuals registered to receive medical marijuana in the state.