Pharmacies would be able to sell medical marijuana in Michigan under a measure approved by the state Senate today. But there’s no guarantee that will happen – even if it’s signed into law.
The legislation would only be implemented if the federal government decides to regulate marijuana as a prescription drug. And there’s no clear indication that’s in the cards.
But state Sen. Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw), who sponsored the bill, says the measure would send a message to Washington. He says regulating marijuana like other drugs would help make sure products are tested for things like pesticides and mold “so that vulnerable citizens can gain access safely and legally.”
Pro-marijuana advocates oppose the bill. They say it would threaten the ability of state-licensed caregivers and patients to grow their own cannabis.
“Shouldn’t we spend our time and taxpayer resources fixing the current system, rather than streamlining it for a potential corporation that’s out of state based on a contingency?” said Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer.
The bill is being championed by Prairie Plant Systems. That’s the Canadian government’s sole provider of medical marijuana.
