Despite the fact that marijuana is a controversial drug that poses danger to those that become addicted to it, the state of Michigan legalized it for medical use which has resulted in a large mix of emotions from those who support the proposals and thus that fear its legalization may lead to an increase in those who are addicted to it.  12 major cities within the state have in fact already passed initiatives that decriminalize its use on a medical basis which is notable given Michigan is the only Midwestern state to allow the drug to be used.

Opponents of the proposals that in Michigan worry that legalizing marijuana will lead to enforcement issues and eventually the outbreak of pot shops such as those that exist in California due to its new deregulation of the popular street drug.  Of more concern, is the fact that the issue of drug purity will not be addressed properly and those who are allowed medical clearance for the drug will take advantage of its use and sell it on the streets making access to the drug much easier for those that seek it.

Other concerns from the main Michigan marijuana opponent group, Citizens Protecting Michigan Kids, is that if marijuana is legalized for medical use children will begin to perceive it as they do other drugs such as alcohol and prescription drugs such as Vicodin.  The link between these socially acceptable drugs and their abuse among children has been vastly explored and found to lead to a higher teen abuse rate.  Thus, legalizing marijuana for any reason will decriminalize the drug and confuse children that are susceptible to peer pressure.

At the moment marijuana use in Michigan for medical reasons is acceptable, but only for those with medical conditions such as HIV, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.  Due to the fact that the law was only passed in 2008 it has not yet been assessed what problems will arise from its legalization, but law enforcement officers have already stated that it can be difficult to prosecute properly for medical use since a court of law will hear a medical defense with or without a proper licensed medical marijuana card.