Opponents of Proposal 1 have falsely claimed that the initiative would allow “pot shops” to spring up. Opponents have also falsely claimed it will allow employees to use marijuana in the workplace, in hospital waiting rooms and prevent employers from initiating disciplinary action against employees using medical marijuana on the job. None of these claims have any factual basis.
“To disagree with Proposal 1 is fine, and we welcome an honest debate that helps Michigan voters make an informed decision”, said Dianne Byrum, spokesperson for the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care. “But this cynical attempt to deceive the voters of Michigan into thinking Proposal 1 is something it’s not must stop. These are deplorable tactics, and they’re at the expense of seriously ill patients.”
Opponents of Proposal 1 believe that Dr. Wagoner should have been arrested and jailed for making the compassionate choice. How does that “protect kids” in any way?
Please visit www.stoparrestingpatients.org for more information on this important proposal.
Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care sets the facts straight on Proposal 1 opponents’ lies:
A group opposing Proposal 1 has issued press releases containing factual errors designed to mislead the news media and Michigan voters. Here are the facts:
MYTH: Proposal 1 would allow the opening of “pot shops” in Michigan like California.
FACT: The Michigan law does not allow this.
MYTH: Proposal 1 would cost taxpayers by funding a “new Lansing bureaucracy.”
FACT: Patients who qualify will be required to register with the state Department of Community Health for a photo ID card and must pay annual registration fees, which will cover all costs.
MYTH: Proposal 1 will result in “greater access to drugs for teenagers across Michigan.”
FACT: Teen marijuana use has gone down dramatically in medical marijuana states, official state surveys show.
MYTH: “We have scientifically tested pharmaceuticals that are proven effective.”
FACT: Marinol is a synthetic form of only one of 66 compounds in marijuana. Studies indicate compounds other than THC also offer relief. Pills are not practical for chemotherapy patients who vomit constantly.
MYTH: Proposal 1 would allow use of marijuana without a doctor’s prescription.
FACT: Proposal 1 requires the written recommendation of a licensed physician.
MYTH: Proposal 1 would “allow a flood of lawsuits over things such as whether doctors and hospitals must allow patients to smoke marijuana in a doctor’s office or hospital room, despite every other law banning smoking.”
FACT: Current anti-smoking ordinances will continue to be enforced under Proposal 1, which has a provision prohibiting smoking marijuana on any form of public transportation or in any public place. There has been no flood of lawsuits in any of the 12 states that permit the use of medical marijuana.
MYTH: Some oppose Proposal 1 because “smoking anything, including marijuana is harmful.”
FACT: Smoking is not the only method of ingesting marijuana. Doctors do not have to recommend it if they do not feel it would be an effective treatment.