LANSING (WWJ/AP) – A public hearing is planned later this month to add Parkinson’s disease to the list of illnesses that would qualify for medical marijuana use in Michigan.

WWJ legal analyst Charlie Langton said it would be the first addition since medical marijuana was approved by voters in 2008.

“Remember, the legislature did not vote for this, the people voted for this. So, if we want to add a disease that would allow for medical marijuana, it would take a 3/4 vote of the legislature,” said Langton.

A panel met in December to consider adding Parkinson’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder, but only Parkinson’s made the cut. It’s a brain disorder that causes tremors and problems with coordination.

“This last session of legislature, they did tighten up some restrictions on how you can get your marijuana and what kind of doctor’s notes you need for marijuana, but there does seem to be at least some level of interest in the legislature now to expand and really define what people can use medical marijuana for,” said Langton.

Current laws pertaining to medical marijuana in Michigan allow for the drug to be used as treatment for certain diseases such as glaucoma, cancer, hepatitis C and Crohn’s disease.

A public hearing regarding Parkinson’s disease and medical marijuana is planned for Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing. Written comments can also be sent through March 11.

The decision to add an illness rests with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

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