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A coalition of policymakers and those in the business and health communities are calling on the state Senate to pass medical marijuana bills.
The legislation would create a framework for the medical marijuana industry.
It includes licensing for dispensaries, labeling requirements and would allow for edible forms of pot.
Senate Republican Rick Jones, who chairs the committee the bills are currently in, says currently medical marijuana patients don’t know what other things may be in the pot they buy.
He says these bills would ensure they get a safe product.
Senate Democrat Bert Johnson says the bills will protect patients and the public and help give businesses and communities the guidelines they need to play by the same set of rules.
Cathleen Graham, a registered nurse from Grand Rapids, says accurate labels are needed to guide both medical teams and patients in making choices because it allows for a specific dosage to be prescribed.
Willie Rochon of the Michigan Cannabis Development Association says greater accountability will keep out bad actors and fly by night operators that put patients and the community at risk.
Jones says he hopes to see the bills on the Senate floor in January.
