Marijuana Policy Project

It's a controversial issue- the use of medical marijuana. Voters approved the use of the drug for medical reasons back in November. Now the state is proposing a list of rules for the new medical marijuana program. Some say the rules are too restrictive. Lynn Allen lives each day dealing with the pain of AIDS and hepatitis. He contracted the diseases from a blood transfusion 25 years ago.

Lynn Allen, plans to use medical marijuana: "It really interferes with my ability to walk and lift, and I am no longer able to work."

Allen soon plans to use medical marijuana, which is now legal in Michigan, but he's concerned about the regulations the state is proposing for the new medical marijuana program. Allen says the rules are too restrictive.

James McCurtis, MI Dept. of Community Health: "MDCH has proposed 10 pages of single-spaced rules, what we want to do is that patients aren't penalized for taking advantage of the new law."

James McCurtis is the spokesman for the Michigan Department of Community Health, which is drafting the rules for the program. He says there are lots of regulations, but the department is just following the law.

James McCurtis: "That's what we have to do to make sure everyone is protected and we protect the integrity of the program."

He says the department will hold a public hearing to address any concerns.

James McCurtis: "We'll review what people had said and then make any changes or keep things the same."

Both sides agree they just want the rules to protect the public and Michigan residents who use the drug. The public hearing starts at 9am at the state secondary complex general office building located on Harris Drive in Lansing.