[420 Girl]

The more than 70 people discussing "splendor in the grass" Saturday afternoon at the Hoyt Library in Saginaw were not part of a book club.

They were interested in the medical marijuana law, attending a "compassion club" hosted by the Tri-City Chapter of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, where members educated residents about the new law and how to register.

Those attending -- about 30 of the 50 men sported beards, six wore sunglasses, six sported some type of camouflage clothes and many more wore leather coats or vests -- took copious notes.

The state began accepting applications Monday for ID cards that protect people from arrest while growing and using marijuana to treat pain and other symptoms.

Association members have established what they call "compassion clubs" across the state to inform prospective medical marijuana users and caregivers about the law's details, help complete the application and provide networking.

The group discussed how many plants a patient or care-giver can have (12), how hash and hemp oil are part of the medical use within the law, it's illegal to order or ship seeds through the mail, why hospitals or pharmacies will never (in theory) participate with the law (because of their connection with pharmaceutical companies), and where to find help online or through members.

The first step, members say, is to get an application, found online. The second step, is to get a doctor to say you need the marijuana.

"If he says no, get another doctor," said John F. Roberts, 46, of Saginaw, who is a member of the association.

The group also provided the names of a few doctors, one in Southfield, who will cooperate.

"But these people are swamped with calls, so leave voice mail," said Gregory R. Switala, meeting organizer and an association member from Clio. "It may take a couple of weeks for them to respond, so be patient."

Switala also urged members to use common sense.

"If you've got more than 100 plants, the DEA will visit," Switala said.

"And please, do not drive impaired. We don't want to do anything to jeopardize this law. This goes up for review in two years, and there are people out there working to get rid of this law. If do anything stupid, we're just handing it to them."

"More than that, it's a matter of public safety," Roberts said.

Switala said the group can't "point people to any kind of resource where they can acquire" seeds or pot, but growers, patients and physicians are available after the meeting for networking. He recommends visiting michiganmedicalmarijuana.org.

In reality, he said, "most people don't have to look past the end of the block," to find someone who has seeds.

And tips of growing marijuana?

"Google 'marijuana cultivation,' and you won't believe how many sites come up," Switala said. "Want to see someone do it? Google YouTube and you can watch them."

For information, call Switala at (810) 919-7433.


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