Based on a report in the

, it sounds like prosecutors have some credible evidence against two Lenox Township men accused of an illegal marijuana growing operation. Obviously, they are innocent until proven guilty, but based on what was presented in the Press, one can understand why these guys are facing charges.

What doesn’t make sense is Judge David Viviano’s ruling in the case that a medical marijuana caregiver card is only an “affirmative defense” against criminal charges. That is to say, it’s for a jury to decide if a defendant’s state-sanctioned right to grow or possess medical marijuana outweighs the charges against him.

That’s absurd. Think about it this way: If you are pulled over by the police and present a valid driver’s license, your right to drive on a public road isn’t something for a jury to consider at trial.

Apparently, Michigan prosecutors and judges feel differently about medical marijuana.

What does that even mean? Because it sounds like someone trying to follow the medical marijuana law to the best of his ability could find himself in court for (ahem) guidance. That’s a terrifying and potentially expensive proposition for a citizen they’re making a good faith effort to live within the law’s boundaries.

The legal process can be complicated. That’s why we have courts and lawyers and judges, but if a person can’t be reasonably confident they’re following the law—one overwhelmingly approved at the ballot box, by the way—unless or until a significant body of case law is established, then the very idea of “the law” has been rendered meaningless.