Latest news on stem cell research reveals that the board of Reform Michigan Government has organized a new state wide ballot wording for 4th November, 2008 between two proposals - Medical marijuana and embryonic stem cell research.

The result of the ballot election will be decided by the supreme court which will be later given to the supporters for reviewing.

Board has already prepared a 100 words summary of the two proposals that will appear on the ballot, for the ease of voters.

Proposal 1- A legislative initiative to permit the use and cultivation of marijuana for specified medical conditions.

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

• It will require Department of Community Health to establish an identification card system for patients qualified to use marijuana and individuals qualified to grow marijuana.

• It will permit registered individuals to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility.

• It will permit registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana.

• It will permit physician approved use of marijuana by registered patients with debilitating medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, MS and other conditions as may be approved by the Department of Community Health.

Proposal 08-2- A proposal to amend the state constitution to address human embryo and human embryonic stem cell research in Michigan

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

• Expand use of human embryos for any research permitted under federal law subject to the following limits: the embryos –

• would be discarded unless used for research;

• were donated by the person seeking fertility treatment.

• are created for fertility treatment purposes;

• are not suitable for implantation or are in excess of clinical needs;

• Prohibit any person from selling or purchasing human embryos for stem cell research.

• Prohibit state and local laws that prevent, restrict or discourage stem cell research, future therapies and cures.

• Provide that stem cells cannot be taken from human embryos more than 14 days after cell division begins.

Viewers, what do you think? Which proposal should be accepted?

Source: http://www.freep.com/