| Graphic: Medical Marijuana Blog |
Thousands of patients have applied to participate in the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP) since state voters made it legal last year.
The following statistics are through April 2010, according to Monroe News.
Original and renewal applications received: 27,883
Patient registrations issued: 14,398
Caregiver registrations issued: 6,274
Applications denied: 4,072 (most due to incomplete information or missing documentation)
Certified caregivers can acquire and possess 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana and grow up to 12 marijuana plants for a qualifying patient. Each caregiver may assist up to five patients.
Qualifying patients must register with the Michigan Department of Community Health. Applicants must pay a fee and submit personal information to receive an identification card.
To qualify, patients must be suffering from a debilitating medical condition, such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS and ailments that involve severe pain.
Voters legalized the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program in November 2008.
A certified physician — either a medical doctor a doctor of osteopathic medicine — must state in writing that a patient has a qualifying condition and that medical marijuana could help.
Registered participants are not allowed to use or possess marijuana on a school bus, at a school or in a correctional facility. They cannot drive under the influence or smoke marijuana on public transportation or in public places.
About one year into the program, the MMMP is running behind on responding to about 3,000 applications.
The program is designed to be self-funding from a $100 application fee.
For more information:
Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (state government site)