A bill for the use of medicinal marijuana on campus for students with chronic illnesses passed Monday night in the House at the Student Government Association’s weekly meeting.
The bill, which had passed earlier in February within the Senate, will now be taken to the Office of Student Conduct in order to see if amendments can be made to current Residence Life policy.
The bill’s creator, SGA Senator Ian Elliot, says through the bill, smoking on campus would not be allowed. However, students who use medicinal marijuana would be able to store their paraphernalia on campus without facing criminal charges.
“Somebody asked that with this bill, would people be allowed to just walk around and smoke joints – the answer is no,” Elliot said. “Not only would you not be allowed to smoke joints after this bill is passed, but you never will be because the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act says that you cannot use your medication, you cannot smoke, on public property or anywhere other than your private residence.”
West Bloomfield freshman Starr Walker raised concerns over whether or not this would mean students with medical marijuana access would be able to smoke in the dorms, fearing what the byproduct of smoking could bring into her dormitory.
“The dormitory is not a private residence,” Elliot said. “For the same reason that you can’t tell an officer or an RA that they cannot come into your residence, you’re not protected the same way you are in (an apartment).”
Elliot, who is both a user of medicinal marijuana and a sufferer of epilepsy, says that the medicine helps him to be able to attend college.
“We have dozens and dozens of patients with epilepsy (on campus), including myself,” Elliot said. “A lot of us could not attend college if it were not for these special treatments, a lot of which are in non-smokeable, capsule or oil forms, no different than any other pills you take for any other ailment.”
The bill would allow for students with conditions such as epilepsy, Dravat Syndrome and other ailments to use edible forms of marijuana to help users maintain their symptoms, particularly seizures.
Marie Sokolosky, a representative for Students for Life, also raised concerns about everything encompassed within the bill.
“When (the bill) says ‘capsule form’ is that only what it’s talking about, or is this (bill) talking about any form (of marijuana)?” Sokolosky asked.
After a resounding no, Elliot further explained the bill would only cover the possession of the marijuana flower itself within a locked container that only the user could access, marijuana edibles and marijuana concentrates. Possession of rolling papers and pipes, Elliot said, would also be protected under this bill.
“This (bill) really should be looked at as a compassionate act,” Elliot said. “This by no means has anything to do with recreational use or anything beyond what is discussed between a doctor and (their) patients. We just want to allow access for those who use (medicinal marijuana).”
Michigan medical marijuana laws are too ambiguous for students in need
Students at Central Michigan University have voiced their opinions on medical marijuana use loud and clear. The Student Government Association, the representative voice of the student body, passed a bill supporting the possession of medical marijuana by students with chronic illnesses on March 30.
The bill called for university students to be able to carry usable marijuana—in flower, edible and concentrate form—and paraphernalia on campus without fear of punishment. It would not apply to smokable marijuana or its use.
As admirable as SGA’s attempt to accommodate students in need is, its legislation will not be successful as long as marijuana use is illegal in Michigan. As long as public universities are federally funded, the use of marijuana, even for medical reasons, is prohibited.
Medical marijuana laws in Michigan are in dire need of clarification. This is not a call for legalization for recreational use, but rather for clearer legislation that does not act as an obstacle between students and medical treatment.
We support the use of marijuana for medical reasons, and urge the student body to educate themselves on the issue as well as exercise their political rights to affect change in current laws.
According to the Michigan Public Health Code: “Marihuana does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks, except the resin extracted from those stalks, fiber, oil, or cake, or any sterilized seed of the plant that is incapable of germination. Marihuana does not include industrial hemp grown or cultivated, or both, for research purposes under the industrial hemp research act.”
Qualified medical marijuana users in the state are allowed to possess up to two and a half ounces of “usable” marijuana to treat a number of medical issues, including chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, nausea, seizures and severe muscle spasms.
These are problems that affect many of our own students, but the fact that concentrates and other edible forms of the drug are left out of the definition of medical marijuana use makes it hard for students to use this treatment.
In 2014, 1 percent of Michigan’s citizens were medical marijuana patients. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs processed 92,652 new medical marijuana applications in fiscal year 2014. With murky laws regarding medical use of marijuana and a system that does not support the operation of dispensaries, these users are faced with large obstacles to getting treated.
In Mount Pleasant, the possession and use of less than one ounce of marijuana on private property by people over 21 was legalized in November.
However, local police officers will still enforce state laws.
Since marijuana is decriminalized in Mount Pleasant, the opportunity to bring in dispensaries exists. However, Michigan as a whole does not allow dispensaries to operate, so those that run do so without state recognition.
Previously, Mount Pleasant had one medical marijuana dispensary. It was shut down in 2013 by a Michigan Supreme Court ruling. Now, students with medical needs must travel to Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids or other cities with operating dispensaries. The closest dispensary to Mount Pleasant is in Bay City.
We encourage students and community members to educate themselves on the laws of a drug that is becoming increasingly prevalent both state and nationwide. Lobbying for the recognition of dispensaries, casting your vote when the opportunity arises and otherwise contributing to the conversation are all ways to help those in need of medical marijuana treatment.
Michigan may not be close to completely legalizing marijuana, and that’s not what students with medical issues need. What they need, and deserve, is a clear path to the treatment that allows them to live their lives to the fullest potential.
What’s Really Wrong With Forfeiture – The Bigger Issue
With all these articles and talk about forfeiture reform and blah, blah, blah. The bigger issue has been overlooked.
Ok so they take some of your belongings they assume were purchased with some kind of illegal funds. Like the leaf blower you got from your dads house after he passed. Like the TV that was given to you by your brother because he bought a new one and was going to throw it out anyway. Like the children’s toys that were presents from relatives and friends. Need I say more.
The system does not have to prove how the items were obtained. It’s a cash grab. They sell it back to you or auction it off. I can’t imagine the items that are taken and in you know whose… garages and homes.
Ready for the worst of it…This part should really keep you up at night.
When they take your computer and other electronic storage products like back up hard drives and such. They are taking personal and private information and selling it on ebay, craigslist, taking it home or whatever.
On most peoples computers they have business, banking, family history, irreplaceable photos, medical, taxes, personal thoughts, and other peoples information, etc…the list goes on and on.
Do you really believe they take the time to ensure that that information is deleted. Assume not – just like the system assumed you were guilty.
That is your personal information and other people’s information (who have nothing to do with anything the system assumes) that is now in the hands of a stranger who’s going to do what they may with it.
The legal system doesn’t really have to prove anything. Prosecutors just throw all the charges they can at you till you are too financially drained to defend yourself and you give up and you plead out. Then you have to continue fighting it out in civil court.
Bottom line is…It’s a money making scheme and you are screwed unless you can continue the fight. In the end – you still lose.
One could go on and on about this. But the picture is pretty clear with the short version. Seems today’s politicians and police use forfeiture anyway they can so it benefits them and not society as a whole.
Imagine going back home one day to find an empty house and all your belongings gone; or even worse, imagine being in your house and having your door suddenly smashed open by law enforcement officers in masks and being told at gunpoint that your personal possessions are being taken away.
This is what happened to Annette Shattuck, a mother of four and a registered marijuana caregiver in Michigan. As she recently testified to the Michigan House of Representatives, her house was raided in 2014 while her 56-year old mother was taking care of her children.
Everything from food, electronics, and vehicles to birth certificates, cash, and social security, insurance and public assistance cards was taken and has yet to be returned. As if this weren’t enough, she was left penniless due to a $1 million hold on all her bank accounts and has been unable to access the adoption subsidy for her special-needs son.
Civil asset forfeiture laws, which were popularized during the drug war hysteria of the 1980s, allow law enforcement to seize money and any other private property, regardless of whether its owner has been convicted of a crime. Not only does this constitute a violation of civil liberties and property rights, but it also fuels widespread abuse of power.
Law enforcement agencies have incentives to confiscate goods since they get to keep a percentage of the profits.
As of 2012, the Asset Forfeiture Fund was estimated to hold around $6 billion, so it is no surprise that this has become a goldmine for law enforcement.
Earlier this year, New Mexico’s Republican Governor, Susana Martinez, signed a new law that ends the practice of civil asset forfeiture in the state, which now has the strongest protections against wrongful asset seizures in the country.
In California, a bill co-sponsored by the Drug Policy Alliance, ACLU and the Institute for Justice passed the California Senate by a vote of 38-1 earlier this month.
On November 8th, 2008, by a majority of 63 percent, the citizens of the State of Michigan voted into law the constitutional initiative, Initiated Law 1 of 2008, ratified into law December 4, 2008, herein referred to as the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, MCL 333.26421 et seq. (the “MMMA”).
The voters of the State of Michigan, who at that time had no reason to believe a need to prevent misconstruction, misinterpretation, or abuse of its intent, upon this day declare that certain basic rights afforded all the citizens of Michigan are not being recognized for the medical marihuana community, to the extent that the following rights must be decreed, declared, recognized, and adopted, as the
Michigan Medical Marihuana Patient Bill of Rights
All patients possess the following rights, without limitation:
There shall be a presumption that registered patients and their caregivers are in compliance with the MMMA.
The right to be treated reasonably, with dignity and respect, by law enforcement and the government, and by the medical community and private business in general. “Reasonable” should be based in part upon the best available medicine and science, and not upon emotion or politics.
The right to be protected against arrest, prosecution, or any penalty.
The right to be free from searches, seizures, and forfeiture.
The right to equal protection under the law.
The right to privacy, of any and all information related to patient or caregiver status.
The right to the best medical care, and to the best medication in the proper delivery form, to treat their condition, disease, or debilitation.
The right to safe, immediate access to a continuous supply of medication to treat their condition, disease, or debilitation, and the right to a choice of where to obtain that medication.
The right to equal employment.
The right to equal and fair housing.
The right to be protected from denial of custody or visitation of a child.
The right to speak, the right to remain silent, and the right to counsel.
The right to civil remedies and punitive damages against those who violate any of these rights.
The right to prosecute those who violate the protections of the MMMA.
The right to protection under the Victim Rights Act of Michigan.
Over 100 Scientific Studies Agree Cannabis Annihilates Cancer
An interesting article from the website WakeUpWorld.com. A lot of links to government and other studies. Lots of scientific research stuff…Take a look.
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Considering that up until about 85 years ago, cannabis oil was used around the world to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer, it is not surprising that the phasing out of cannabis to treat illness coincided with the rise of pharmaceutical companies.
Rick Simpson, a medical marijuana activist, is on a crusade to help others heal. He regards cannabis as the most medicinally active plant on the face of the earth, and shared this apparent miracle with others — completely free of charge. He now has thousands of testimonials from those who were healed from ‘incurable’ disease to back up his claims ~ that cannabis annihilates cancer.
For the naysayers out there who are still not convinced about the effectiveness of cannabis for curing cancer, the astounding healing attributes of the plant are well documented by a wealth of peer-reviewed studies.
Traditional medicinal plant backed by modern medicine
Breast cancer
A study in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics explored the relationship between the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and the subsequent down regulation of breast cancer tumor aggressiveness. The researchers concluded that CBD represents the first nontoxic agent to decrease the aggressiveness of metastic breast cancer cells in vivo.
Furthermore, the journal PLoS One reports further evidence of how cannabinoids modulate breast cancer tumor growth and metastasis by inhibiting specific receptors.
“Studies on epithelial cells have shown that cannabinoids exert antiproliferative, antimetastatic and apoptotic effects as well as reducing cytokine release and promoting wound healing. In vivo, cannabinoids – via direct or indirect activation of CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptors – exert protective effects in well-established models of intestinal inflammation and colon cancer.”
The team concluded that the administration of cannabinoids “may be a promising strategy to counteract intestinal inflammation and colon cancer.”
Cannabis was shown to induce cytotoxicity in leukemia cell lines, according the the journal Blood:
“We have shown that THC is a potent inducer of apoptosis, even at 1 x IC(50) (inhibitory concentration 50%) concentrations and as early as 6 hours after exposure to the drug. These effects were seen in leukemic cell lines (CEM, HEL-92, and HL60) as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.”
It also did not appear that the cannabis was simply aiding other chemo drugs — it was independently bringing about results with the active compound THC responsible for cancer cell death in vitro.
Likewise, a study in the Molecular Pharmacology Journal found that non psychoactive cannabidiol dramatically induced apoptosis (cell death) in leukemia cells. “Together, the results from this study reveal that cannabidiol, acting through CB2 and regulation of Nox4 and p22(phox) expression, may be a novel and highly selective treatment for leukemia.”
Research published in the paper Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids found that cannabinoid compounds play a vital role in modulating the immune system to improve the outcome of a cancer diagnosis. In short, the team believes “[t]he experimental evidence reviewed in this article argues in favor of the therapeutic potential of these compounds in immune disorders and cancer.”
Moreover, the study Cannabinoids and the immune system confirms that cannabimimetic agents have substantial effects on natural killer cells, thereby providing therapeutic usefulness in reducing tumor growth and the induction of apoptosis. Therefore, cannabis demonstrates a “subtle but significant role in the regulation of immunity and that this role can eventually be exploited in the management of human disease.”
Cervical cancer
Uterine cervical cancer cells are significantly influenced by cannabis as well. Published in Gynecologic Oncology, the research team discovered that the compound induced apoptosis in cervical carcinoma (CxCa) cell lines.
Melanoma
The most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma has relatively few options of treatment beyond prevention and early detection. With this in mind, the findings of the study Cannabinoid receptors as novel targets for the treatment of melanoma are of particular note. In animal tests, cannabinoids encouraged cancer cell death, while decreasing growth, proliferation and metastasis of melanoma cells.
“Local administration of [cannabinoids] induced a considerable growth inhibition of malignant tumors generated by inoculation of epidermal tumor cells into nude mice. Cannabinoid-treated tumors showed an increased number of apoptotic cells. This was accompanied by impairment of tumor vascularization, as determined by altered blood vessel morphology and decreased expression of proangiogenic factors (VEGF, placental growth factor, and angiopoietin 2). … These results support a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of skin tumors.”
These are just a few examples — among hundreds — that demonstrate the effectiveness of cannabis in eradicating cancer without adverse side-effects. Additionally, the following documentary explores the history and modern uses of cannabis to heal serious diseases such as cancer, AIDS, Crohn’s disease & more:
Medical Cannabis and Its Impact on Human Health: a Cannabis Documentary
Scientific Studies from the National Institute of Health
If you’re still in doubt regarding the effectiveness of cannabis for healing cancer, have a look at these 100+ scientific studies from the National Institute of Health:
