(AP) -- A legal blunder has at least temporarily left Michigan without criminal penalties for possession and use of drugs such as synthetic marijuana and an Ecstasy-like substance called BZP. Republican Sen.-elect Rick Jones of Grand Ledge said Wednesday he will work to fix the law early next year.
Possessing or using the drugs was made illegal under a law that took effect in October. But the criminal penalties for use and possession inadvertently were repealed when Gov. Jennifer Granholm last week signed a separate bill approved by the Legislature dealing with drug sentences.
It appears the mistake was unintentional. Granholm has alerted lawmakers to the error, urging them to fix the law. There are disagreements as to whether possession is now technically illegal or legal. Jones says legal reviews continue.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
