April 28, 2015

Lawyer Leads Effort To Add Marijuana Law To Michigan Bar Association

April 28, 2015
courtroom marijuana court

michigan marijuana bar associationThe race is on to see which attorneys in Michigan will be among the first 50 to indicate their support for creating a marijuana law section of the Michigan Bar Association, according to Lapeer attorney Bernard Jocuns.

Jocuns leads the effort to petition the Association to create an attorney’s group devoted to discussing and advising on the subject of marijuana law.

“We need a minimum of fifty lawyers to indicate their support,” Jocuns said, although he expects to receive far more emails than that from attorneys certifying their interest.

A marijuana law section could issue papers, advise the legislature or offer educational seminars to raise awareness of the evolving state of marijuana law in Michigan, Jocuns said. “It’s an opportunity for lawyers to exchange ideas,” Jocuns explained.

“The goal is for people to get educated, and for there to be a body of educated lawyers that can speak with authority.”

Other attorneys around the state are in support of the idea. “Medical marihuana is important to the Citizens of Michigan, and states are adopting legislation for the adult recreational use of marihuana at an increasing pace. The State Bar of Michigan must recognize the important role cannabis and laws relating to its responsible use now play, and should do so by establishing a section focused on these rapidly evolving issues,” said Daniel Grow, a lawyer that practices criminal law across southwest Michigan, with a focus on issues relating to medical marijuana.

“Marijuana law is one of the most rapidly changing and misunderstood areas of law in our state,” said Farris Haddad, a Southfield attorney. “We are all affected by marijuana law in one way or another-so it’s a valid candidate for its own bar section.”

“It would really help take away some of the taboo that surrounds marijuana,” Jocuns offered. “Prosecutors are not the enemy.”

Attorney Matthew Abel of Cannabis Counsel in Detroit said, “Marijuana law intersects with numerous areas of law.  We hope this section will receive wide participation.”

Criminal law is only one aspect of the legal spectrum where marijuana issues are resolved. “This is not just a criminal issue,” Jocuns offered. He included attorneys specializing in family law, business law and even agriculture law specialists as potential members of the marijuana law section.

The Association has other law sections devoted to specialty law fields like personal injury law, probate, family law and real estate.

A similar move was made in Colorado by attorneys registered there about six months ago, Jocuns said.

“All lawyers in the state of Michigan will benefit from the additional resources the section will be able provide,” Grow added.

Attorneys interested in this opportunity should email their interest to Bernard Jocuns, Esq., at:

[email protected]

Attorney Jocuns can be reached at his office by calling: 810 245-8900

Source: The Compassion Chronicles

 

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