SBM seminar examines medical marijuana laws

The State Bar of Michigan General Practice – Solo and Small Firm Section will host a luncheon seminar  called “Medical Marijuana – The Law is Evolving – What you Need to Know,” on Thursday, June 9 at Ginopolis on the Grill, 27815 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills.

This seminar, scheduled from 12:30-2:30 p.m., will delve into the laws governing the 63,735 patients and 25,000 caregivers currently authorized to use marijuana legally in Michigan. More than 50,000 other patient applications are pending.

Two speakers will address the issues:

• Matthew R. Abel, founder and senior partner at Cannabis Counsel, P.L.C., a law firm entirely devoted to cannabis-related clients and cases.
Abel has focused on criminal defense of marijuana cases for over 20 years. Since passage of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act in 2008, his practice has grown to include business clients and issues, as well as employment, drug testing, probation and domestic issues surrounding cannabis consumption.

• Dan Korobkin, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union since 2008, is responsible for litigating cases and advancing civil liberties in Michigan.

The ACLU currently has suits pending against Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham and Livonia for not allowing the use, sale or growth of medical marijuana. The organization also is defending a man who was fired from his managerial position at Wal-Mart for using prescribed medical marijuana to treat symptoms of an inoperable brain tumor.

The cost of the luncheon seminar is $25 for section members and $30 for others in advance, or $35 at the door.

Those interested in attending may register online at www.michbar.org/general/calendar.cfm.

For more information on the seminar, contact Elizabeth A. Silverman at asatty@aol.com.