High Times has recently expanded their coverage of marijuana-related events in Michigan and the March 2016 issue sports an article by the top man at the magazine. Editor-In-Chief Dan Skye came to Michigan and wrote about the push to legalize the adult use of marijuana- and why now it the time for change.
In Michigan’s March to Legalization, Skye describes the need for an evolution in the state’s marijuana laws. He explores Michigan’s history with asset forfeiture, interference by the state Attorney General and law enforcement encounters both old and new.
Very new. As in, 24 hours ago new.
Skye visited Michigan in September and photographed a cannabis garden. The very next day that same garden was raided by local and state authorities. Skye’s description of events is both engaging and frightening at the same time, but he writes that these actions are all-too-common in Michigan.
The article follows the evolution of marijuana distribution and cultivation in Michigan in a broad way since 2009. It covers the emergence of early distribution centers, including 3rd Coast Medical Marijuana Dispensary of Ypsilanti and the now-defunct Big Daddy’s organizations, and the formation of Michigan’s first dispensary organization, the MACC.
The High Times article incorporates some horror stories of how Michigan’s medical marijuana era has been marred by an upswing in arrests and cops drunk on asset forfeiture dollars. The numbers presented are shocking.
Skye ends the piece on a high note by discussing the current business climate and how some have managed to thrive. Distribution centers like 3rd Coast and Arborside of Ann Arbor are still able to make it if they have “tolerant city governments and local law enforcement.”
Skunkwerks, a Michigan company that makes nutrients for gardening, is featured. Company leader Josh Keasler gave possibly the article’s best quote when he said, “Since 2008, we’ve tried to operate professionally and move forward without clarification from our legislature, and we still don’t have it.”
Skye’s presentation gives the solution to the problem as the MILegalize movement. Described often as the state’s grass-roots marijuana legalization petition drive, MILegalize has collected over 200,000 signatures and looks to put the issue on the 2016 general election ballot.
MILegalize Board members Jamie Lowell and Rick Thompson (this author) are featured in the Skye article. Lowell described MILegalize fundraising and signature-gathering as “generous” and “terrifically successful.”
Keasler said, “I’m totally behind MILegalize, because the people of Michigan want this!”
Visit the High Times website at:
MILegalize is still paying for petition signatures. To contact the campaign, visit:
Source: The Compassion Chronicles
