Update March 30 4:30pm
An observant NBC25 viewer and connectmidmichigan.com user noticed there is already a rule when it comes to restricting those who have used medical marijuana and operate a motor vehicle. The law says, patients may not "Operate, navigate, or be in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under the influence of marihuana." (Section 7, 4)
Update March 30 1:20pm
Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel says medical marijuana laws reverse the advancement of public health. He says, "We outlaw cigarette smoking in buildings, but we legalize smoking marijuana. Smoking anything is not good for you."
The sheriff also says it's up to the individual to decide to pursue medical marijuana, but that he has a problem with advocating something that some may not feel right doing.
Legal, but not highly regulated. That's the concern from a local sheriff and those who may desire medical marijuana.
In 2008, Michigan voters approved the use of medical marijuana. Since then, there hasn't been a lot of accountability.
Prescription drug commercials tout the benefits of their products, but they also come with warnings.
A 90 second Seroquel XR commercial uses nearly a minute to explain the possible complications and side effects of the drug.
When it comes to medical marijuana, who's supposed to warn the patient?
Months ago, a Saginaw County sheriff's deputy saw a vehicle weaving in its lane. He pulled the driver over and smelled freshly smoked marijuana.
Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel says, "He asked the driver, 'Have you been smoking marijuana?' The young man, with a smile said, 'Yes, I have. I have my medical marijuana card. I'm supposed to have four ounces, and I have it right here in a bag.' There wasn't a doctor there or a pharmacist to tell him 'Don't operate heavy machinery. Don't drive a vehicle.' Yet he chose to do it."
Here's another concern, if a patient gets sick from smoking medical marijuana who's responsible, the doctor, the marijuana provider, or the patient?
John Roberts is a medical marijuana provider in Saginaw County's Thomas Township. He says it's a new industry that needs time to standardize.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse says short-term affects of marijuana include problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, loss of motor coordination, increased heart rate, and anxiety.
It says marijuana smoke contains some of the same cancer-causing compounds as tobacco, sometimes in higher concentrations.
Studies show five joints per week may be taking in as many cancer-causing chemicals as a full pack of cigarettes a day.
Roberts says, while there are side-effects to marijuana they aren't as severe as unnatural toxic drugs.
HIPAA laws also restrict law enforcement from being able to access a database to see who is licensed as a medical marijuana provider and patient.
What do you think?
