Madison NORML

Source: Kalamazoo Gazette click here
Author: Kalamazoo Gazette Editorial Board
Thursday July 09, 2009, 9:04 AM

Editorial: Medical marijuana program appears on track

Marijuana now can be used legally by patients in Michigan with certain medical conditions, a state identification card and a recommendation from a doctor. For the most part, it seems the state's voters are getting about what they expected from the program they approved in last November's election. Not a lot more, not a lot less.

The state started issuing ID cards in April to approved users, including some with HIV/AIDs, multiple sclerosis and glaucoma. Now there are more than 2,000 approved users statewide. Dozens of other people have been licensed as "caregivers," who may legally grow and supply users with marijuana.

In Southwest Michigan alone, there are about 190 registered users and 78 licensed caregivers.

From the early results, the program seems to be working about as anticipated. Doctors and patients are working together to decide if marijuana might be of some help, and the production and supply generally are being done within the rules established. At the moment, there does not appear to be a great deal of social or legal disruption, although some minor ambiguities about the process remain to be cleared up.

We're among those who think some scientific study and research still are needed, particularly to address good questions about marijuana's effectiveness, dosing and side effects. We also believe that kind of research could be conducted effectively in Michigan given the system that's been established and the patients who are available now for possible study, and considering the bio-medical research resources in existence here.

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