Smokin Moose
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex Moderator
What is the National Organization for Positive Medicine and why are its members trying to get a medical marijuana ordinance passed in Ferndale?
Even an attorney working for the organization doesn't quite know for sure.
"I really know very little about it," said Thad McCollum, a local attorney who normally specializes in immigration law. He was retained to help guide the proposed ordinance, which would allow the organization to distribute marijuana for medicinal purposes through a court order.
Ferndale City Council members decided not to act on the proposal at their regular meeting Monday night so the question will go before voters during the city election in November. Even if voters approve the ordinance, those partaking of marijuana for medicinal purposes within Ferndale city limits could still be prosecuted under state and federal laws. In other words, the ordinance would amend marijuana laws on a municipal level only.
The National Organization for Positive Medicine is headed by Carl Swanson, reportedly a former resident of the area. According to McCollum, Swanson is out of the state tending to family medical issues. The organization submitted a petition to the Ferndale city clerk May 13 requesting the city council either approve the ordinance or put it to the vote of the people.
The mystery surrounding Swanson's motives in pushing the ordinance, and why he chose Ferndale to do it, left council members perplexed. "I've never seen him," Councilman Mike Lennon said of Swanson. "I don't know if he's ever been here."
The ordinance proposal is not affiliated with the statewide initiative to legalize medicinal marijuana, also on the ballot for November's general election. In addition, Ferndale already has an ordinance that permits the use of medical marijuana when prescribed by a physician. It was approved by voters in 2005.
Daniel Christ, Ferndale city attorney, said the proposed ordinance not only permits the use of medical marijuana, but permits the National Organization for Positive Medicine to distribute it to those needing it.
"The city is not espousing this at all," he said. "This is being driven by ... a grassroots petitioner."
News Hawk: Smokin Moose 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Grand Ledge Independent (MI)
Copyright: 2008 Grand Ledge Independent
Contact: kmadden@cn.homecomm.net
Website: https://www.hometownlife.com/GrandLedge/News.asp
Even an attorney working for the organization doesn't quite know for sure.
"I really know very little about it," said Thad McCollum, a local attorney who normally specializes in immigration law. He was retained to help guide the proposed ordinance, which would allow the organization to distribute marijuana for medicinal purposes through a court order.
Ferndale City Council members decided not to act on the proposal at their regular meeting Monday night so the question will go before voters during the city election in November. Even if voters approve the ordinance, those partaking of marijuana for medicinal purposes within Ferndale city limits could still be prosecuted under state and federal laws. In other words, the ordinance would amend marijuana laws on a municipal level only.
The National Organization for Positive Medicine is headed by Carl Swanson, reportedly a former resident of the area. According to McCollum, Swanson is out of the state tending to family medical issues. The organization submitted a petition to the Ferndale city clerk May 13 requesting the city council either approve the ordinance or put it to the vote of the people.
The mystery surrounding Swanson's motives in pushing the ordinance, and why he chose Ferndale to do it, left council members perplexed. "I've never seen him," Councilman Mike Lennon said of Swanson. "I don't know if he's ever been here."
The ordinance proposal is not affiliated with the statewide initiative to legalize medicinal marijuana, also on the ballot for November's general election. In addition, Ferndale already has an ordinance that permits the use of medical marijuana when prescribed by a physician. It was approved by voters in 2005.
Daniel Christ, Ferndale city attorney, said the proposed ordinance not only permits the use of medical marijuana, but permits the National Organization for Positive Medicine to distribute it to those needing it.
"The city is not espousing this at all," he said. "This is being driven by ... a grassroots petitioner."
News Hawk: Smokin Moose 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Grand Ledge Independent (MI)
Copyright: 2008 Grand Ledge Independent
Contact: kmadden@cn.homecomm.net
Website: https://www.hometownlife.com/GrandLedge/News.asp
