Michigan Drug Law Votes
Michigan voters have recently joined with other states in voting to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. In a Proposal that was voted on last week by the public, lawmakers have pushed to allow seriously or terminally ill patients to use marijuana as prescribed by a physician for medical purposes only. These patients, under the Medical-Marijuana Proposal, will also be able to grow and possess limited amounts in order to create a supply for their medical use. 12 other states currently have the same allowance of marijuana for medical purposes.
Advocates to this proposal include the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care, the Michigan Nurses Association and other public health associations, mainly because they have seen the medical benefits of marijuana in very sick patients. Many would argue that no other legal medication can provide the relief that marijuana can give when an individual is suffering from a long-term illness. Supporters of this measure see this as a victory for patients and their families who are struggling to be heard.
Those opposed to the proposal, however, include law-enforcement, anti-drug organizations, and groups like Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Kids. These groups and individuals believe that acts like this one are making enforcement of anti-drug laws more and more difficult, and creating setbacks for our nation’s anti-drug campaigns.
Massachusetts Drug Law Votes
Massachusetts also passed a measure this week that would lesson the punishment for possession of marijuana of less than one ounce in that state. Currently, offenders can be penalized with fines up to $500 and also 6 months jail time for simple possession of the drug. It seems that both sides of the issue in this state have many of the same views as those in Michigan. Either marijuana is seen as a real benefit to those physically suffering, or the legalizing of it would go against all we tell the public and our kids about the risks of drugs.
California Drug Law Votes
Voters in California also had their say in their state’s Proposition 5, the Non-violent Offender Rehabilitation Act (NORA). The majority of voters turned this Act down. The measure would have given more funding for the treatment of substance addiction and offenders would be more likely to go to a drug treatment facility than to prison. Those opposed to the Act voted against it because they believe, in part, that an addict and his or her family have to want to get treatment for the addiction, and not have it imposed as a punishment. Those in favor of NORA include some healthcare providers and others that see an overwhelming need to get some of these addicts into treatment any way they can.
Through the voting that took place last week, individuals in many of our states were given the chance to give their opinion regarding drug laws. Different people had their reasons for voting the way they did, but the important thing for us to remember is that we need to keep working toward eliminating illegal drug use and substance addiction, and that help is out there for those suffering with addiction.
Karoub, Jeff Voters approve medical marijuana November 05, 2008
Helmuth, Eric Calif. Prop 5 Defeated, Marijuana Initiatives in Mass. and Mich. Pass
November 5, 2008
Mich. Voters Lean Toward Legalization of Medical Marijuana
September 29, 2008
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