Medical pot law goes into effect amid questions
DETROIT - Medical marijuana is now legal in Michigan. But patients looking to relieve pain, nausea and loss of appetite don't have the go-ahead to light up just yet. The ballot initiative legalizing medicinal use of marijuana on a doctor's recommendation by people with cancer, AIDS and other diseases was backed by almost 63 percent of voters in the Nov. 4 election. It took effect on Thursday.
But qualifying patients and their caretakers won't be safe from arrest unless they register with the state. The rules for that program may not be in place until April 4. Even then, there won't be a legal way for patients to buy the drug in Michigan. Some officials say confusion will result and the law may need to be modified. But advocates say obtaining marijuana is more a problem on paper than in practice.