Michigan patients may be arrested until April…?

FOXNews.com – Mich. medical pot law now in effect amid questions – Local News | News Articles | National News | US News
DETROIT —  Medical marijuana became legal in Michigan on Thursday, but smoking a joint could still get patients arrested because the regulations needed to protect them won’t be ready for months.

The law approved by voters in November allows patients with cancer, HIV, AIDS, glaucoma and other diseases to use marijuana to relieve their symptoms on a doctor’s recommendation.

Qualifying patients can register with the state and receive ID cards allowing them to legally acquire, possess, grow, transport and use a limited amount _ no more than 2.5 ounces and 12 plants _ of marijuana. They also can designate a primary caregiver to receive similar protection.

But those cards won’t be issued until the Department of Community Health introduces guidelines addressing how applications will be handled, what fees will be charged and other issues. The rules must be finalized by April 4.

Until then, anyone possessing marijuana _ even patients who could later qualify for the program _ can be arrested and prosecuted, though the law allows patients to use a medical-justification defense at trial.

Some in law enforcement in Michigan are saying that they will go ahead and arrest the patients they catch with marijuana and then let the proescutors decide if they wish to file charges.  Why would you want to harass and burden these sick and disabled people when every single county in the state voted to protect them from harassment from law enforcement?