Public Media from Michigan State University

Appeals Court: It's OK To Share Small Amounts Of Medical Pot

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The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled medical marijuana users may share small amounts of pot without running afoul of state law.

But that’s only if no money changes hands.

The Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta reports.
 

Courts have been busy filling gaps in Michigan’s medical marijuana law since it was approved by voters in 2008.

In this case, Tony Green’s defense against drug delivery charges was that he shared – without compensation -- a small amount of pot with another legally registered medical marijuana user. The appeals court said that is allowed under the medical marijuana act.

The decision could be appealed to the state Supreme Court, which has already ruled patient-to-patient marijuana sales are illegal. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a couple more medical marijuana decisions in the near future – including one on whether the law permits dispensaries that charge some kind of fee.

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Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.