Medical Marijuana Advocates Plan Lansing Protest
LANSING (WWJ) - A rally is scheduled Wednesday afternoon on the steps of the state capital protesting proposed changes to the state's medical marijuana law.
Rick Thompson is with the Michigan Association of Compassion Centers, a group that helps patients obtain medical marijuana.
"The intent of the voters was not to restrict access to medical marijuana. The intent of the voters was to empower people, subject to a recommendation by a licensed physician. So, the actions that we're seeing in the legislature and in the judiciary are not in alignment with what the people voted for in 2008," said Thompson.
Just last month, Michigan's Appeals Court ruled some sales at dispensaries to be illegal.
"This is the biggest civil rights issue that's faced this state in 30 years. The people that are being oppressed are the sickest and the most injured people in the state. These are the people we should be protecting, not punishing," said Thompson.
About 2,000 protestors from across the state are expected at the rally. The event starts at noon.
"Sickness crosses all boundaries. Sickness doesn't care whether you're wealthy, whether you're poor, whether you're in Auburn Hills or you're in the Upper Peninsula, and when the ill are denied access to medical marijuana, everybody loses," said Thompson.
