Though much of the money collected via the Michigan Medical Marihuana has remained untouched by Michigan law enforcement, a recent report from The Compassionate Chronicles has shed light on an alarming misallocation of medical cannabis funds.
The Michigan Medical Marihuana Fund is a collection of the fees charged patients and caregivers for their enrollment in the program. The Fund has been gathering resources since 2009, the year after voters passed legislation to establish the state medical cannabis program. The money was originally meant for local law enforcement’s “operation and oversight of the Michigan medical marihuana program… operation and oversight grants are for education, communication and enforcement of the Michigan medical marihuana act…”
It appears — according to a state report released in September — that of the $3 million made available to Michigan law enforcement from the state’s Medical Marihuana Fund, only $167, 038 was handed out to police, and only $116,090 was actually spent. Only four county agencies actually applied for the money, and all of the grants were approved.
But where was the money actually spent? Significant portions went to paying officer salaries, as well purchasing as new trucks, trailers, iPads, tasers, and various clothing (including formal wear for presenting to the public and also more rugged, raid-worthy outfits). Only one of the four police agencies in question actually took the time to attend educational classes about medical cannabis.
Source:
http://thecompassionchronicles.com/2015/11/17/cops-use-pot-money-to-buy-i-pads-truck-shirts/
Photo Credit: Nick Allen