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News (Media Awareness Project) - US MI: Traverse City, Ferndale Approve Medical Marijuana Use
Title:US MI: Traverse City, Ferndale Approve Medical Marijuana Use
Published On:2005-11-10
Source:Lansing State Journal (MI)
Fetched On:2008-01-15 08:59:51
TRAVERSE CITY, FERNDALE APPROVE MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE

TRAVERSE CITY - Laura Barber says she's convinced good will come from
an approved city ordinance instructing police to go easy on those who
use marijuana for medical purposes, although critics dismiss it as a
worthless gesture.

"I believe in my heart that it will have an effect," said Barber,
executive director of the Coalition for Compassionate Care, which led
the petition drive to get the measure on the local ballot.

Her 32-year-old husband, Matthew Barber, was convicted of possession
last year. Laura Barber says he uses marijuana to relieve symptoms of
multiple sclerosis.

Voters in this northern Michigan community endorsed the ordinance
during Tuesday's election, with 1,594 in favor and 925 opposed. It
doesn't make marijuana legal but declares possession, use or delivery
of the drug by a medical patient the "lowest law enforcement priority
of the city."

Meanwhile, a proposal to allow medical use of marijuana in Ferndale
passed 1,894 to 1,222. Detroit and Ann Arbor adopted similar measures in 2004.

But state law prohibits possession and use of marijuana, raising
doubts about the legality of the municipal ordinances.

The Michigan attorney general's office last year concluded the Ann
Arbor ordinance was contrary to state law, spokeswoman Allison Pierce said.

Donal O'Leary III, a University of Michigan student and Ferndale
resident who led the pro-marijuana campaign there, said he believes
local officers pay attention to such ordinances.

"There have been zero medical marijuana-related arrests or
prosecutions" in Detroit or Ann Arbor since their measures passed,
O'Leary said.

A message seeking comment was left with Ferndale Police Chief Michael
Kitchen. He has said his department would continue arresting anyone
found with marijuana.
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