Michigan Medical Marihuana Patient Bill of Rights

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:

1. There shall be a presumption that registered patients and their caregivers are in compliance with the MMMA.
2. 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.
3. The right to be protected against arrest, prosecution, or any penalty.
4. The right to be free from searches, seizures, and forfeiture.
5. The right to equal protection under the law.
6. The right to privacy, of any and all information related to patient or caregiver status.
7. The right to the best medical care, and to the best medication in the proper delivery form, to treat their condition, disease, or debilitation.
8. 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.
9. The right to equal employment.
10. The right to equal and fair housing.
11. The right to be protected from denial of custody or visitation of a child.
12. The right to speak, the right to remain silent, and the right to counsel.
13. The right to civil remedies and punitive damages against those who violate any of these rights.
14. The right to prosecute those who violate the protections of the MMMA.
15. The right to protection under the Victim Rights Act of Michigan.