Michigan's Proposition 1 Takes Effect Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana

Dec-04-2008 20:39 (salem-news.com)
Michigan's Proposition 1 Takes Effect Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana

Physician Authorizes First Patients for Medical Marijuana in Michigan


(SOUTHFIELD, Mich.) - A national nonprofit organization, THCF Medical Clinics, opened a new medical marijuana clinic Thursday at 2000 Town Center in Southfield. Eric Eisenbud, MD, along with the executive director of THCF, Douglas P. Stanford and several medical marijuana patients, held a press conference this morning in Southfield.

Michigan's marijuana law took effect today, and Dr. Eisenbud issued the first authorizations for patients who have qualifying conditions under the new law.

THCF Medical Clinics have helped over 45,000 patients obtain their state's permit for medical marijuana. The Hemp & Cannabis Foundation (THCF) has offices and has helped implement the medical marijuana laws in seven other states: Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Montana, Hawaii, Nevada and California. Dr. Eisenbud has helped over 3,000 medical marijuana patients in Colorado and Montana.

THCF Medical Clinics does not provide medical marijuana to patients, but provides physicians who can help qualified patients get state authorization. Initially, our patients will receive a physician's statement that exempts them from prosecution and allows them to raise an affirmative defense for medical marijuana if they are currently being prosecuted.

In April 2009, the Michigan Community Health Department will issue new forms and procedures to begin issuing Michigan Medical Marijuana Registry Identification cards.

When those forms are available, Dr. Eisenbud will complete them for all Michigan patients of THCF Medical Clinics.

Medical marijuana was approved in Michigan by 63 percent of voters in Prop 1 in November. Michigan becomes the 13th state to allow medical marijuana, in addition to California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Alaska, Colorado, Nevada, Montana, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island and New Mexico. (link)