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Schuette: Biz owners can ban medical pot on their premises

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-986578.mp3

LANSING, MI –

State Attorney General Bill Schuette says Michigan's medical marijuana law does not allow medical marijuana cardholders to smoke pot in restaurants and other public places. And he says landlords and other business owners can ban smoking, possessing, or growing medical marijuana on their premises. More from Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta.

The attorney general issued a formal opinion that carries the force of law - although it could be overturned by a judge if it's challenged. Bill Schuette says owners of restaurants, rental properties, and hotels and motels may forbid smoking or growing medical marijuana in non-public spaces. Schuette says, otherwise, the owners could still face arrest or the seizure of their property by federal authorities since federal law still treats marijuana as an illegal drug. He also says it's not fair to other renters or patrons who don't want to put up with pot smoke.

Schuette opposed the medical marijuana law when it was adopted by voters in 2008, and he has called for additional restrictions in the law. Schuette did say Michigan's workplace smoking ban does not apply to medical marijuana because it only prohibits smoking tobacco.

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