Pastor J, Guinevere and myself had an opportunity to meet with the Berrien County Sheriff and his two chief deputies this morning. Overall, it went well.
I first met Sheriff Bailey almost 10 years ago, when I was still working as a school counselor and he was the local, township fuzz. My impression at the time was that he was a fairly decent guy and I still think so after meeting with him today.
Basically, I was hoping to find some meeting of the minds. As I stated in opening the conversation; now that the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act is law it is in everyone’s best interest that the implementation be as smooth as possible.
Sheriff Bailey told us that he is still waiting for clear direction from Berrien County’s Prosecutor and Health Dept but he does intend to respect the law. Patients with valid recommendations will not be targeted and caregivers staying within the limits will not “have their doors kicked in” (his words, not mine).
Bailey was as unsure as we are on just what is a, “locked, enclosed facility.” Greenhouses? No problem. I mentioned that I consider my entire house a “locked, enclosed facility” and that the MSP had pushed (unsuccessfully) for 2 locked doors—outside doors and a second locked room or enclosure inside. I didn't believe I needed anything more than a lock on my front door. No argument. And when I mentioned an outdoor garden screened from public view & a locked gate probably meeting the definition, too, Captain Tolliver shrugged and said, “well, as long as it’s not in plain view…..” I wasn’t going to argue.
We reiterated our offer to have a representative of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Dept visit one of our Compassion Clubs. Bailey said after April 4 they very well might. We discussed the Affirmative Defense. They are aware of it. We talked about just what is a public place. As it turns out my interpretation was more conservative than theirs!
About the only thing I can think of where there was some disagreement was the involvement of DEA. Bailey said they routinely include DEA in all of their drug cases. When the Berrien County Sheriff’s Dept has contact with a legit patient and caregiver he assured me they would back off and that DEA probably would, too. I respectfully, gently suggested that he review the law again because our interpretation was the Act prevents state law enforcement officers from sharing any information about legit patients and caregivers with DEA. Bailey quickly reassured me that the 3 DEA agents who work this part of the state are, “nice guys.” I hope so. I hope to someday inherit millions from a long lost uncle, too.
Please understand. This was one sheriff’s dept and this was their current, admittedly incomplete understanding of the law. We’ve got a long way to go and lot’s of bumps along the way. But call me Pollyanna, I still feel like we made some real progress today.
Greg Francisco's blog ~MMMA~
www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org
I first met Sheriff Bailey almost 10 years ago, when I was still working as a school counselor and he was the local, township fuzz. My impression at the time was that he was a fairly decent guy and I still think so after meeting with him today.
Basically, I was hoping to find some meeting of the minds. As I stated in opening the conversation; now that the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act is law it is in everyone’s best interest that the implementation be as smooth as possible.
Sheriff Bailey told us that he is still waiting for clear direction from Berrien County’s Prosecutor and Health Dept but he does intend to respect the law. Patients with valid recommendations will not be targeted and caregivers staying within the limits will not “have their doors kicked in” (his words, not mine).
Bailey was as unsure as we are on just what is a, “locked, enclosed facility.” Greenhouses? No problem. I mentioned that I consider my entire house a “locked, enclosed facility” and that the MSP had pushed (unsuccessfully) for 2 locked doors—outside doors and a second locked room or enclosure inside. I didn't believe I needed anything more than a lock on my front door. No argument. And when I mentioned an outdoor garden screened from public view & a locked gate probably meeting the definition, too, Captain Tolliver shrugged and said, “well, as long as it’s not in plain view…..” I wasn’t going to argue.
We reiterated our offer to have a representative of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Dept visit one of our Compassion Clubs. Bailey said after April 4 they very well might. We discussed the Affirmative Defense. They are aware of it. We talked about just what is a public place. As it turns out my interpretation was more conservative than theirs!
About the only thing I can think of where there was some disagreement was the involvement of DEA. Bailey said they routinely include DEA in all of their drug cases. When the Berrien County Sheriff’s Dept has contact with a legit patient and caregiver he assured me they would back off and that DEA probably would, too. I respectfully, gently suggested that he review the law again because our interpretation was the Act prevents state law enforcement officers from sharing any information about legit patients and caregivers with DEA. Bailey quickly reassured me that the 3 DEA agents who work this part of the state are, “nice guys.” I hope so. I hope to someday inherit millions from a long lost uncle, too.
Please understand. This was one sheriff’s dept and this was their current, admittedly incomplete understanding of the law. We’ve got a long way to go and lot’s of bumps along the way. But call me Pollyanna, I still feel like we made some real progress today.
Greg Francisco's blog ~MMMA~
www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org
