There have been calls for lawmakers in Lansing to clarify the law so that it's clear whether dispensaries are legal, and sort out who can transfer marijuana to whom. Well, Sen. Rick Jones, the former Eaton County Sheriff and now representative of Eaton, Barry and Allegan Counties, has jumped into the fray. Jones was named chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee after Gov. Rick Snyder came into office. When named, Jones said, "I will work tirelessly to protect our families. Whether it's cracking down on identity theft, gang violence or sexual predators, we must stay one step ahead of the criminals."

I'm not sure which part of that applies in the first piece of legislation he's sponsored. His Senate Bill No. 17, introduced last week, calls for a ban on "marihuana clubs" and "marihuana bars." A "marihuana club" is defined as "an association of individuals with membership restricted to those who pay money or any other thing of value to become members."

So, restricting the right of medical marijuana patients to associate with each other protects our families, stops gang violence and sexual predators. What a long, strange, and legally weird trip it's been. It doesn't look like any of these cases will be resolved soon, and there are many more on the docket as the drug war bumbles on.

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