Come November, voters will decide whether or not recreational marijuana will be legalized in Michigan. While public support for legalizing recreational marijuana appears to be increasing, there are major concerns about managing the outcomes should voters say yes. Having already legalized medical marijuana, the drug is viewed by some as a nonconsequential remedy for pain, insomnia, and anxiety in addition to improved or slowing the effects of advanced illnesses, such as HIV. Given the experience of other states, legal use of recreational marijuana would certainly boost state tax ledgers from what is estimated to be a one billion dollar-plus market in Michigan alone. However, questions loom over the impact of more prevalent drug environments on our state’s already disadvantaged populations, and particularly among adolescents and higher-crime areas. Impaired driving and job performance while under the influence of marijuana are also areas of much-needed research. This forum will provide insight on Michigan’s current take on medical marijuana and considerations to be made as we consider November’s ballot proposal of legalized recreational marijuana.
Panelist Biographical Information:
Biographical Information (.pdf)
- Ms. Shelly Edgerton - Director for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
- Dr. Jed Magen - Associate Professor and Chair of Michigan State University’s Department of Psychiatry.
- See Dr. Magen's Presentation (.pdf)
- Dr. Debra Furr-Holden - Professor of Public Health MSU College of Human Medicine Division of Public Health.