Medical marijuana law spurs Mich. cottage industry

SIDNEY, Dec. 20, 2009 (AP): Michigan voters' approval last year of a law permitting medical marijuana use has created a fledging cottage industry of marijuana growers and a growing number of patients who want a share of their crop.

To date, The Grand Rapids Press reports that Michigan has issued 6,439 patient registrations and 2,686 caregiver registrations permitting those people to legally grow pot.

While caregivers are paid for their costs associated with assisting their patients, they cannot sell marijuana. The cost of growing marijuana is determined by the caregiver and patient.

The Obama administration recently announced it would not pursue medical marijuana growers who abide by their state's laws.