Obama’s Stance on Medical Marijuana – How it Affects Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Industry

The medical marijuana industry is booming in the state of Michigan, one of the most recent states to decriminalize medicinal cannabis. In fact, of the most proactive states for allowing these alternative medicine programs, Michigan has one of the highest amounts of registered card users, with more than 100,000 persons currently approved for the medical marijuana program in this state.

Most are approved for the treatment of chronic pains and aches.

Thankfully, there are some grey areas in the federal laws regarding marijuana dispensaries that allow for them to operate in Michigan. For instance, cultivating and selling marijuana is federally illegal. However, dispensaries are required by the state to be nonprofit, so they are not making any money off the sale of medical marijuana, and that means there is no property or money to forfeit. Now this does not mean that they are immune from prosecution, if the DEA chooses to shut them down, but as a result, the feds usually go after real criminals that are actually trafficking illegal drugs, as opposed to those who are providing much needed natural medicine for patients who are suffering and who are in need.

Of course, Obama has also greatly helped spur along the Michigan medical marijuana program, stating at the time of his election that there are “legitimate circumstances for the usage of medical marijuana.” (See Full Video of the President’s Stance on Medical Marijuana Here). In the interview, Obama states that doctors will not be punished if it is prescribed, and that it would require changes in federal law.

Obama:  “I will not be using justice department resources” on this issue.

So what does this mean for residents of Michigan, namely, patients who are suffering and would like to use medical marijuana as a viable treatment option?

It means that if you are qualified by a doctor to use medical marijuana legitimately, you are not going to have to worry about being prosecuted by the federal government or the state.

Four Steps Required for Michigan Medical Marijuana Card

1. See a Michigan marijuana doctor and get evaluated.
2. Get your written and signed marijuana recommendation.
3. Submit it to the public health department with any required documentation and fees.
4. Receive your Michigan medical marijuana card by mail within 10 business days.