Pubdate: Wed, 01 Apr 2009
Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)
Copyright: 2009 Detroit Free Press
Contact:  http://www.freep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125
Author: Megha Satyanarayana
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?246 (Policing - United States - News)

POLICE HAZY OVER LAW IN MEDICAL POT RAID

Madison Heights police seized 21 marijuana plants Monday night that
the homeowner said he believed were legal under the state's medical
marijuana law.

But at this point, police can't say whether the plants were legal or
if the man was over the limit.

"We don't know what the rules are," Madison Heights Police Chief
Kevin Sagan said. "This is a new situation for all of us."

Answers could come by the end of this week from the Michigan
Department of Community Health, which has been hammering out rules
for the medical marijuana law since it went into effect Dec. 4. The
department is required by the state to launch a medical marijuana
program by Saturday.

Michigan patient advocates said they believe this seizure is the
first significant event to test the law's limits. Robert Redden, the
59-year-old whose home was raided, said police took 21 marijuana
plants, money and a notebook of contacts. Police confirmed the raid 
Tuesday but provided no details.

It is possible that no charges will be filed against Redden, who said
he has the requisite doctor's recommendation to use marijuana to ease
the pain of hip arthritis.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin