A panel discussion aimed at sharing the pros and cons of Michigan’s recreational marijuana ballot issue was hosted by Monroe County Community College.
Officials both for and against Proposal 1 discussed the legislation which would legalize the possession, use and cultivation of marijuana products by those who are at least 21 years old, according to ballot language.
The hour-long panel took place about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Audrey M. Warrick Student Services and Administration Building. MCCC President Kojo A. Quartey served as the discussion’s moderator, with guests including students, faculty and members of the community.
“We are an educational community, and when there are issues of this nature, there needs to be somewhere to present unbiased views,” Quartey said. “I know this is a contentious issue… The job is to convince those who really aren’t sure where they stand.”
The panel was part of the college-sponsored Culture and Current Affairs Speakers Series which features a variety of cultural, political or social topics of interest.
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. Use both those rights and Contact Komorn Law Immediately to secure your rights 800-656-3557.
Panelists consisted of three representatives speaking in support of Proposal 1 and four in opposition.
Audio recording of the one-hour discussion
Those in favor included Michael Komorn, president of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association (MMMA) and a Farmington Hills attorney; Steve Miller, a representative from the Law Enforcement Action Partnership ( LEAP) and retired Canton Township police sergeant; and Jesse Riggs, also a representative of the MMMA and a former United Auto Workers (UAW) member.
Those opposed included Michael G. Roehrig, Monroe County chief assistant prosecutor, with Lauren Beaudry, the county’s assistant prosecutor assigned to drug possession cases; Quri Wygonik, an MCCC institutional research coordinator; and Randy Richardville, a former Republican state Senate majority leader and spokesperson for Healthy and Productive Michigan.
The opposition had one more member than those in favor because Roehrig was assisted by Beaudry, but both represented the prosecutor’s office.
Several heated discussion points were introduced by audience members or sparked among debate between the panelists.
Following are the opinions presented among three key topics — children, law enforcement and impairment — throughout the panel.
Increased marijuana use among both youth and young adults was an issue raised by those opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana.
“I am opposed to this both personally and professionally,” said opponent Roehrig who is a father to four daughters. “This legislation targets children.”
The opposition predicts lowered IQ rates, more school suspensions and higher college dropout rates, if Proposal 1 is successful. They also said potent edibles shaped like gummy bears, cookies or other sweet treats wrongly appeal to a young market.
Backers disagreed citing the issue’s ballot language indicates one must be at least 21 years old to use recreational marijuana.
“No one in support of this ballot issue is suggesting that children should use (marijuana),” supporter Komorn said. “It’s designed for adults only.”
LAW ENFORCEMENT
A police officer for more than 20 years, supporter Miller said law enforcement should focus its time and resources on more serious drug offenses than marijuana use, possession or delivery.
“It’s time to stop wasting law enforcement resources… on marijuana,” Miller said. “I have never witnessed any harms or dangers as it relates to marijuana.”
Those opposed disagreed, arguing that drug related offenses only will increase with the legalization of recreational marijuana and create a need for increased law enforcement.
According to the ballot language, those 21 or older would be allowed to recreationally possess or sell up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. Up to 10 ounces would be allowed to be kept in a private residence.
″(There will be) people walking around with big bags of dope with intent to sell,” opponent Richardville said.
TESTING LEVEL OF IMPAIRMENT
One question proposed by an audience member asked officials how recreational marijuana impairment would be tested and regulated, should the ballot issue pass.
“We don’t have rapid detection methods, and we don’t have a point that’s equal to blood alcohol level,” opponent Wygonik said, citing previous research she conducted on opioids and marijuana. Her opinion was given as a researcher, not as a representative of MCCC.
Opponents predicted increased numbers of traffic accidents and workplace injuries due to recreational marijuana, while backers said measures already are in place to identify impaired drivers and employees.
A marijuana field sobriety test would not be necessary, according to supporters, because law enforcement would be able to visually identify impaired drivers and blood tests would reveal those driving or working under the influence.
“There are union contracts in place and trainings available to identify someone who is under the influence,” supporter Riggs said. “This is something already in place that I don’t think we need to worry about with this issue.”
Komorn Law has represented numerous clients through the legal chaos of starting up a business in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Industry as well as consulting and legal representation for Medical Maruhuana Patients and Caregivers.
If you or someone you know has been arrested as a result of Medical Marijuana, DUI, Drugs, Forfeiture, Criminal Enterprise or any other criminal charges please contact our office and ensure you’re defended by an experienced lawyer.
Attorney Michael Komorn is recognized as an expert on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. He is the President of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association (MMMA), a nonprofit patient advocacy group which advocates for the rights of medical marijuana patients and their caregivers.
Contact us for a free no-obligation case evaluation 800-656-3557.
This page is for informational purposes only. Laws, regulations and the world change routinely, therefore we insist you consult an attorney for the most current legal information.
Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol-Proposition 1
The Coalition To Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Michigan released several promotional videos for Marijuana Legalization Michigan Proposition 1 featuring retired Michigan State Trooper Ted Nelson, retired Police Officer and Komorn Law office investigator Steve Miller, Amanda Joslin, Charmie Ghoulson, Josh, Matthew Roman as well some news reports.
Take a look...
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. Use both those rights and Contact Komorn Law Immediately to secure your rights 800-656-3557.
Komorn Law has represented numerous clients through the legal chaos of starting up a business in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Industry.
If you or someone you know is facing charges as a result of Medical Marijuana, DUI, Drugs, Forfeiture, Criminal Enterprise, etc. Please contact our office and ensure you’re defended by an experienced lawyer in the evolving laws.
Lead attorney Michael Komorn is recognized as an expert on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. He is the President of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association (MMMA), a nonprofit patient advocacy group which advocates for the rights of medical marijuana patients and their caregivers.
Contact us for a free no-obligation case evaluation 800-656-3557.
Laws change – so please consult an attorney before taking any legal action or doing anything you may have the slightest feeling is illegal when it comes to marijuana / cannabis personal or commercial use.
Livingston County District Judge Theresa Brennan faces misconduct allegations that include perjury, failing to disclose personal ties to parties involved in her cases, requiring her staff to do personal tasks for her and mistreating people who came before her in her courtroom. As the evidentiary hearing began Monday, the commission said it plans to add destroying evidence and obstruction of justice to the list of accusations
A retired judge appointed by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission is hearing the evidence in Livonia. Depending on his findings, the commission could eventually ask the state Supreme Court to discipline Brennan.
In the most recent 87-page complaint, the Judicial Tenure Commission said Brennan, among other issues:
Failed to disqualify herself or fully disclose her close personal relationship with a Michigan State Police detective involved in a murder case she presided over in 2013. She also failed to disclose conflicts and disqualify herself in other cases, the Judicial Tenure Commission said;
Failed to disqualify herself from hearing her own divorce case until six days after she knew the complaint had been filed;
Used improper demeanor in court;
Directed court staff to do personal tasks for her on court time;
Required staff to work on her re-election campaign during work hours;
Made misrepresentations during court hearings and in her contact with the tenure commission;
In case you have been sleeping under a rock for the last few years or have had kids and only watch cartoons… it has happened. Canada Officially Legalized Recreational Cannabis at midnight on October 17, 2018.
Historical Quotes
“A date which will live in infamy”…”This is one for the history books”…”We spend a great deal of time studying history, which, let’s face it, is mostly the history of stupidity.”
What will be the famous quote for this Canadian historical event…”It’s about time..eh!!”.
Congrats Canadians
You have now became the largest country in the world with a national legal marijuana marketplace.
BONUS – Hours before a federal official told The Associated Press that Canada will pardon all those with convictions for possessing up to 30 grams of marijuana, the now-legal threshold. That’s just about an ounce…but it’s a start.
Enjoy it. The US is not going to let you have all the glory or revenue for too long.
Anyhow…….
Different Ways
The war on this “drug” has ruined so many lives, several generations and derailed the potential future of so many people that could contribute to the creation of so many good things…in so many different ways.
The next step is clearing the “criminal records” of those who were railroaded, imprisoned or bullied into pleading by prosecutors and law enforcement who are allowed to use every trick in the book (they wrote). It’s time to bring those to light…in so many different ways.
Have you been charged with a crime? Remain Silent and Contact Komorn Law Immediately to protect your rights and freedom 800-656-3557.
The step after that is compensating for the lost time, the money, the life savings and potential that were taken away in the process of defending ones self or the time spent in prison. There is no price for lost time which can not be returned. There is no dollar amount that can be accurately calculated. For every one dollar should be estimated as losing twenty…in so many different ways
Under A Different Light
As the process of legalization creeps it’s way through the USA let us not become sheep. Let us move forward, work harder and create.
Of course the human factors such a power, greed and corruption will still play a part in the legalization process and business part but it will be under a different light.
Of course it will take generations of law enforcement to get the concept of recreational cannabis. They will still find away to make money and destroy lives but it will be under a different light.
Of course the Government will tax it, figure out how to control it and continue to cause conflicts about it so they can keep spending our money and keeping their jobs. That’s human nature… but now it will be under a different light.
Of course there will those who will oppose it and those who want more of it. As long as we don’t pound each other into submission that’s how compromise and progress happens. With cannabis being legal the battle will now be (yes I am going to say it just to mess with the robots)… under a different light.
Let these historical moments be one of the good victories for the people who were victimized by the system.
Komorn Law has represented numerous clients through the legal chaos of starting up a business in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Industry. If you or someone you know is facing charges as a result of Medical Marijuana, DUI, Drugs, Forfeiture, Criminal Enterprise, or any other charges please contact our office and ensure you’re defended by an experienced lawyer. Attorney Michael Komorn is recognized as an expert on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and is the President of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association (MMMA), a nonprofit patient advocacy group which advocates for the rights of medical marijuana patients and their caregivers.
Contact us for a free no-obligation case evaluation 800-656-3557.
Thousands Of Absentee Michigan Voters Get Wrong Instructions
Thousands of absentee voters were mistakenly sent instructions on how to vote a straight-party ticket even though that’s not an option in next month’s Michigan election.
The Lansing State Journal reports Meridian Township Clerk Brett Dreyfus says about 5,000 ballots were sent before the problem was discovered.
Dreyfus blamed a vendor for sending incorrect instructions but acknowledged his office should have caught it before mailing absentee ballots in the Lansing-area community.
The township noted the error in a posting on its website.
A federal appeals court last month revived Michigan’s ban on straight-party voting. Voters must go line by line if they want to vote for candidates in partisan races. In the past, a single mark could automatically count for candidates of a single party, from governor to county commissioner.
Komorn Law has represented numerous clients through the legal chaos of starting up a business in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Industry as well as consulting and legal representation for Medical Maruhuana Patients and Caregivers.
If you or someone you know has been arrested as a result of Medical Marijuana, DUI, Drugs, Forfeiture, Criminal Enterprise or any other criminal charges please contact our office and ensure you’re defended by an experienced lawyer.
Attorney Michael Komorn is recognized as an expert on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. He is the President of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association (MMMA), a nonprofit patient advocacy group which advocates for the rights of medical marijuana patients and their caregivers.
Contact us for a free no-obligation case evaluation 800-656-3557.
This page is for informational purposes only. Laws, regulations and the world change routinely, therefore we insist you consult an attorney for the most current legal information.
a light touch on the shoulder with the flat side of the sword,given in conferring knighthood.
Music. a brace joining several staves.
an ornamental molding over a door,window, or arch,having the form of an ogee arch.
Here is the story…
A senior Michigan medical executive who is charged in the death of a man due to a Legionnaires’ outbreak linked to Flint’s lead-tainted water crisis has been recognized for her eminent career in health care.
The Flint Journal reports that Dr. Eden Wells has been awarded the Roy R. Manty Distinguished Service Award.
A judge is deciding if Wells will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter in the death of a man who had Legionnaires’ disease. She’s also charged with obstruction of justice and lying to police. Wells has denied the allegations.
The Michigan District Attorney’s office says Wells should have done more to inform the public about the Legionnaire’s outbreak that killed at least 12 people in the Flint area in 2014 and 2015.
The awarding associations say the award is the highest individual honor given by Michigan’s public health community.
Here is the link to the original story from WKAR.org.
Here are some more stories about the Flint Crisis and Dr Eden Wells
I would refer you to some other places with great articles to help support their sites but the pop ups just ruin the whole experience. I don’t know how they get any ad marketing through let alone any worthy factual news.
Komorn Law has represented numerous clients through the legal chaos of starting up a business in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Industry as well as consulting and legal representation for Medical Maruhuana Patients and Caregivers.
If you or someone you know has been arrested as a result of Medical Marijuana, DUI, Drugs, Forfeiture, Criminal Enterprise or any other criminal charges please contact our office and ensure you’re defended by an experienced lawyer.
Attorney Michael Komorn is recognized as an expert on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. He is the President of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association (MMMA), a nonprofit patient advocacy group which advocates for the rights of medical marijuana patients and their caregivers.
Contact us for a free no-obligation case evaluation 800-656-3557.
This page is for informational purposes only. Laws, regulations and the world change routinely, therefore we insist you consult an attorney for the most current legal information.
