Michigan will vote on legalizing medical marijuana on Election Day.

By Marqui Mapp
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 7:51 p.m.


Watch story video (1:48): http://www.wluctv6.com/news/video.aspx?id=181843


MARQUETTE -- Michigan could be the 13th state added to the list of those who've legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Voters will have the chance to legalize the drug on November's ballot, but many residents TV6 talked to agreed to disagree on the subject.

"I think that if they could regulate it well and if they taxed it enough, it'd be good income for the government," said Adam Reitz of Traverse City, who believes it's a personal matter between a patient and his doctor.

"From what I've read, there are better alternatives," claimed Mark Coltman of Harvey, who believes the drug can lead to substance abuse.

There are, in fact, other treatments for patients who are suffering from chronic pain or undergoing chemotherapy, but Marquette physician Dr. Karen Eldevick says after 21 years, she still believes it's the most effective.

"There are multiple prescription products already available for nausea, but sometimes they just don't work or they're quite expensive," Dr. Eldevick said.

Jim Harrington of the Marquette County Health Department believes its risks outweigh the benefits as even limited use of medical marijuana could ultimately endanger our teens and children.

"It creates an environment where marijuana use is safe and acceptable," said Harrington, the health educator for the department. "And what we've seen in other states and other places, when you have cultural acceptance of it, even though it's technically for medical use, it increases usage."

What's interesting about this debate is that medical marijuana is already available in tablet form. Dronabinol is a pill that's created in a lab and is very expensive compared to marijuana, which can be grown in your home at little cost, but is much more difficult for the government to regulate.

Although Eldevick agrees abuses can occur if the dispensing of this drug is not properly monitored, she says marijuana should still be made accessible to those who need it.

"Realize that your fellow human being may be in great illness and may need this product," she insisted.

The vote on the issue will be held on Tuesday, November 4.


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