Jamie Lynn Ward

Protesters show their support for medical pot

By Lisa Roose-Church

DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

The owners of a Handy Township medical marijuana dispensary and an employee were arraigned Thursday while protesters carrying signs declaring "Patients are not criminals" walked outside the Brighton courthouse.

Pleas of not guilty were entered on behalf of Christi Marshall, 37, her husband, Alan Marshall, 39, and employee Stephanie Lynn Baxter, 30, who were each released on a $10,000 personal bond. They are each charged with delivering marijuana to an undercover narcotics officer who posed as a medical marijuana patient.

"I'm grateful for the support," Christi Marshall said as she exited the court building. "With support like this from a jury, I hope we'll be found not guilty."

Alan Marshall added: "I'm overwhelmed by the support. We're grateful."

Baxter, a former Grand Blanc resident who now lives in Howell, declined to comment.

The trio returns to court on July 13 for an exam conference before Judge Theresa Brennan, who ordered each defendant not to possess, use or distribute "any type of drug" except over-the-counter medications. The judge also allowed the defendants to possess and use prescription medications, if any, they may have, except marijuana.

Brennan also ordered the trio to keep at least 100 yards away from any medical marijuana dispensary.

Although the accused declined to talk about their pending cases, the estimated 15 people who gathered on First and Main streets in downtown Brighton spoke loud and proud about their rights to use marijuana for medicinal purposes as allowed under Michigan's Medical Marihuana Act.

The protesters chastised Prosecutor David Morse's office and Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team members for targeting Marshall Alternatives.

"They should be allowed to provide a place for what is legal," Jamie Lowell with the Michigan Association of Compassion Centers said as he held a picket sign. "The spirit and intent of the act needs to be carried out."

Lowell acknowledged that he was not familiar with the allegations against the Marshalls and Baxter, and when told about the allegations, he said he believes Morse is interpreting the law incorrectly.

LAWNET officers raided Marshall Alternatives, at 165 Fowlerville Road in Handy Township about four miles south of the village of Fowlerville, on March 2 and again Tuesday.

Jamie Lynn Ward Update: American Idol Contestant Story Called into ...

One of the most memorable American Idol auditions so far? It belongs to Jamie Lynn Ward in Birmingham.

Ward is off to Hollywood - but some question whether this is due to her singing ability or unique, sad background. For those who believe it's the latter, they may be dismayed to believe that Jamie's story - of taking care of a paralyzed father who shot himself and his wife after he caught his love cheating - may not be accurate.

The American Idol hopeful's step-mother, Beverly, wants to set a two things straight regarding the incident: