The state attorney general is not saying why he opposes bills that would ease restrictions on medical marijuana in Michigan. Some top lawmakers are now urging Bill Schuette to detail his concerns.
A state House panel approved the two bills this week. House Bill 4271 would let communities allow and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries. House Bill 5104 would also allow patients to use edible and other non-smokable forms of marijuana.
The attorney general’s office informed the committee that it opposed the bills, but offered no explanation. Schuette then declined to offer one at an event on Thursday.
“We’re starting the process,” said Schuette. “It needs to be vetted and reviewed. And they were kind of popped out. We’ll look at them like we do any piece of legislation.”
Schuette also indicated opposition to the bills when they were approved by the state House late last year. The bills were introduced in February and October of 2013.
Before there can be a vote by the full state Senate, Majority Leader Randy Richardville says he wants to know why Schuette opposes the bills.
“The attorney general put in a card, but I didn’t see any reason for the opposition. So we certainly want to get his input,” Richardville, R-Monroe, told reporters Wednesday.
Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer chided the attorney general’s office for not offering an explanation.
