Protecting Patient Rights in Medical Marijuana Cases

Introduction

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The rights of medical marijuana patients in Michigan are currently in peril, and the Michigan Association of Compassion Centers (MACC) is stepping up to halt this injustice.

The Isabella County prosecutor has filed an appeal to overturn the ruling in the case of People v McQueen, a move that puts patients' civil rights in jeopardy. The next hearing will be held on June 7th in Lansing at the Hall of Justice. Rallying to protect patients, MACC has sponsored the filing of an Amicus brief. The brief has been submitted to assist the court in making a decision to continue safe access for patients, and strongly calls out for the core law to be protected.

The legality regarding patient to patient transfers and patients' ability to access medication may be decided in this case. Medical marijuana has improved quality of life and saved countless lives of Michigan citizens since the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act's inception. This landmark case, if brought to fruition by a reconsideration of the original ruling, would significantly set back the progress that the medical marijuana community has so tirelessly fought for.

For patients in dire need of care, the implications of this setback are immense. Each patient lives with a unique affliction that requires them to obtain their medicine differently. By limiting their options, many patients will either be without relief from the horrible symptoms of their illness and injury, or they will turn to the black market. MACC is striving to prevent this devastating blow to the Act, which allows for patients to be able to obtain their medicine safely and use it without interruption.

The MACC is an organization that exists to represent Michigan's citizens in defense of the rights provided under the Act. MACC stands shoulder to shoulder with patients across Michigan and vows to protect their civil rights. In addition to sponsoring this Amicus brief, MACC has intervened in several other cases, resulting in positive rulings for the medical marijuana community.

"MACC is trying to implement standards for Compassion Centers to follow, and work towards improving the image of marijuana as medicine," commented Attorney Matt Newburg, author of the Amicus brief. "They also provide funding to offer educational and legal resources to patients and caregivers that can't afford them. Each court case's ruling is a potential step forward for the medical marijuana community, and MACC wants to see it move forward as quickly as possible."

If you would like to be involved in helping our state move forward, please visit the MACC website at www.BigMACC.com or contact Rick Thompson at 248.721.3518 or Rick@4MMagazine.com