Marijuana Policy Project

A Michigan Medical Marijuana Expo is being held in Detroit this weekend, four months after the law went into effect.

The first expo is supposed to inform people of the law so they don’t break it, as well as inform them of career opportunities in the medical marijuana field, said Hilary Dulany, a partner of the Genco Group that is hosting the event.

“This is not a pot fest or a hash bash,” Dulany said. “Everything we do is legal.”

However, the Oakland County Sheriff ’s Office said the passing of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act nine months ago was a mistake.

County Undersheriff Mike McCabe anticipates there will be problems.

“It’s pretty early in the ballgame, but based upon what happened in California, it’s probably going to be a disaster,” he said.

McCabe said he was concerned people would grow more than the legal amounts of marijuana permitted in the law and sell it illegally.

“We’re keeping a close eye on this (the law),” he said.

The expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Burst Complex at 2520 22nd St. in Detroit.

Admission is $10, with free parking.

There will be several guest speakers, physicians and attorneys. Additional workshops are available for $31.25 each.

There also will be walk-in clinics where attendees can see if they’re eligible for medical marijuana, but they must bring photo ID and medical records.

However, the event flyer said no marijuana will be bought, sold or exchanged at the expo.

In addition, no open possession or public use of medical marijuana will be allowed at the two-day event.

Dulany said the exposition has the goals of reducing police costs in enforcing marijuana laws and creating jobs.

Her group is trying to teach people the medical marijuana law so they don’t break it.

She also said the passing of the new law opened up a new legal, profitable industry, and the expo is trying to teach people how they can take advantage of that.

“Laid-off people can re-educate themselves... learn the tools of the trade,” Dulany said.

Eligible patients whose applications with the Michigan Department of Community Health are approved can either choose to grow a limited amount of marijuana themselves, or pay a licensed caregiver to grow it for them. But under Michigan law, a caregiver can only grow enough for five patients.

Currently, there are several facilities that patients can go to see if they can get a medical marijuana recommendation, such as The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation in Southfield.

Also, Web sites such as www. michiganmedicalmarijuana.org inform people about the law and how to become or find providers.