[420 Girl]

The National Lawyers Guild and American Civil Liberties Union are giving Wayne State students a chance to learn more about the rules and procedures associated with the use of medicinal marijuana Saturday, Oct. 3, as they host the Michigan Medical Marijuana Symposium at the university’s law school.

The conference will feature leading experts, including attorneys, doctors and civic leaders to help educate those skeptical of the legalities the new law sets aside.

The conference will be divided into three panel sessions, including a legal session, a medical session and a civic session according to the Wayne State Law School website.

Wayne State Law Professor’s Peter Hammer and Robert Sedler along with Director Bureau of Health Professions at the Michigan Department of Community Health (M.D.C.H.) Melanie B. Brim and University of Detroit Mercy Adjunct Professor Michael Whitty will be featured speakers.

Since proposal 08-01 was passed on Nov. 4 2008, Michigan has seen a large increase in participants for medicinal marijuana program (M.M.M.P.).

“The program itself is averaging, according to the state, as of Aug. 25, a little over 5,000 registration cards,” said Kelly Brittain, director of patient community education and support service at Karmanos Cancer Institute.

However, a troubling question in the system remains: where does the marijuana come from? According to the Michigan Department of Community Health website, the MMMP is not a resource for the growing process and does not have information to give to patients on how to access marijuana legally.

“There is no current legal way to get seeds, once a patient has seeds they are deemed legal," said Daniel Solano, director of the symposium. "It is the procurement of the seeds that still remains an issue that must be addressed.”

Jane Stewart, founder of WSU's Warriors for Medical Marijuana and medical marijuana patient, said the laws are still confused right now and patients aren't getting the help they need. Even though she has the card, she still has problems getting what she needs.

"We have no way of getting our marijuana unless we grow it ourselves," she said. "My doctors are scared to scared to sign my paperwork."

She said the symposium will answer all questions.

When a patient receives their medical marijuana card they are referred to growers or caregivers by M.M.M.P. Caregivers are people who have agreed to assist with a patient's medical use of marijuana.

Caregivers may get their seeds and other marijuana supplies from clubs called “Compassion groups.”

However, this may make it difficult for some patients who are looking for supplies because according to federal law it is still a crime to grow or sell marijuana for any reason.

“If a patient’s caregiver is following the law there should be no interruption, sans a pest outbreak/power outage/other unforeseen calamity. That is another good reason why MI needs dispensaries or compassion clubs. That would ensure a patient can always have an adequate supply of medication,” said Solano.

“As doctors become more aware of the benefits we may see an increase in doctors completing the certifications so that the patients have access to marihuana,” said Brittain.

The symposium starts at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seating is limited and those interested should register at Registration.



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