A marijuana plant is shown growing at a medical marijuana dispensary. / Associated Press
Some of the first big changes to Michigan's medical-marijuana law since it was approved by voters in 2008 are set to begin.
Democratic Rep. Phil Cavanagh of Redford Township in Wayne County says the changes that go into effect Monday clarify and lend credibility to the act.
The measures define the type of doctor-patient relationship that is needed before medical marijuana use can be certified. For example, a doctor must complete a face-to-face evaluation of the patient. Cavanaugh says lawmakers had concerns certificates were being given out too liberally, like over the Internet.
Among the many other changes is that state-issued cards given to people who have a doctor's endorsement for medical-marijuana use will be good for two years instead of one.