In October, the Obama Administration issued a new federal policy, telling federal prosecutors it was no longer a priority to arrest people who use or provide medical Marijuana in compliance with state laws.

Fourteen states, including Michigan, allow the use of Marijuana for medicinal purposes: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Five more states are currently considering medical Marijuana laws.

In Michigan, individuals with a qualifying medical condition who are registered patients in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP) and have orders for medicinal Marijuana from a physician can legally grow Marijuana for personal use in treating their conditions. Licensed primary caregivers are also allowed to grow up to 12 Marijuana plants and possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable Marijuana for use by the registered, qualified patient they are assisting.

The law approved by voters in 2008 prohibits qualifying patients and caregivers from distributing the Marijuana to anyone else. Distribution to others is a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of $2,000.

The South Bend Tribune reported that since April of 2009, when Michigan?s Department of Community Health required residents to fill out an application to grow medical Marijuana, the state had received 7,833 applications as of mid-October.

The state turned down 1,007 of those applications. People who are turned down are free to reapply. The application fee is $100; $25 for those who receive Social Security disability compensation, Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid.

The Obama administration, while relaxing prosecution of medical Marijuana users who are complying with state laws, won?t be easing up on those who use medical Marijuana as a cover for criminal activities. The administration urges federal prosecutors to continue targeting cases involving significant drug trafficking, violence, illegal firearm use, minors and money laundering.