By Ben Horner
This November, voters in Lansing, Ferndale and Jackson will
decide on removing penalties for possession or transfer of an ounce or less of
marijuana, despite numerous attacks from state and local authorities.
In Ferndale, Andrew Cissel successfully turned in the needed
signatures to place the question on this Novembers’ ballot. Shortly after doing
so an investigation was opened on Mr. Cissel. After a few short weeks the
investigation led to multiple raids on Andrew’s home and growing areas. Andrew was arrested and now faces criminal
marijuana charges in Oakland County courts. During the investigation evidence
was gathered that may indicate that Andrew was not residing at the address were
he used as his place of residency when he signed the petitions. An election
fraud investigation has been opened. Regardless, the question will be placed on
the Ferndale ballot. Case law, Bogart vs. land, suggests that even if that were
the case the results of the election cannot to disqualified on this basis.
Andrew says that he plans on continuing to see the campaign through and
believes that the raids and the allegations of voter fraud are political in
nature. I am proud to support Andrew Cissel, and he deserves our admiration and
support.
In Lansing, both the Governor and the Attorney General have
come out against the petition claiming that it is invalid because it conflicts
with state law.
In Northern Michigan, caregivers and patients enjoyed
several weekends of Cannabis Camp up at the white Birch Canoe Camp, which is
just west of Houghton Lake. In memory of
Super Activist Rene Wolf, folks raised money for her family and donated
medicine for cancer patients. Uncle Pete and Les Older always makes everyone
feel welcome. The music, nature and great people made for a great retreat for a
city dweller like myself. If you have never been to one of these camps I,
highly recommend going to one next year.
The Michigan Cannabis Industry Stakeholders meetings have
began to gain momentum. Numerous MMJ businesses, organizations and individuals
with a vested interest in MMJ have joined in the discussion. The focus of this
group, which has no defined leadership, is to bring MMJ stakeholders from Michigan
together to find common solutions to the challenges of this new emerging
industry. All are welcome to participate.
If you are interested in participating in a local petition
drive for next year in your community or becoming part of the Michigan Cannabis
Industry Stakeholders meetings, please reach out. Call (810) 820-8953 for morfe
info
