State Rep. Hoadley today spoke before a House committee in favor of his bill which would create clearer, more enforceable standards for responsible marijuana users, while giving more power to prosecutors to effectively target illicit marijuana operations. The bill, House Bill 5107, is one of four bills aimed at targeting illegal grow operations in Michigan.

“My plan gives prosecutors in our state the power to do their jobs more effectively,” said Hoadley. “Right now, unclear laws mean prosecutors have a hard time closing down massive illegal grow operations and bringing them to justice. I’m trying to fix the law to make it clear that possessing, storing and processing more than 200 grams of marijuana concentrate and more than 12 plants is a crime.”

“Weak penalties for these operations are a threat to public health and safety. These are bad actors who work with foreign cartels and drug networks, siphon revenue from legitimate businesses, and bring crime to our state. Their tainted products often contain poisons and dangerous chemicals because they are not subject to state regulations and protections. We need to shut these illegal drug businesses down to protect our community.”

Joining Hoadley this morning was Iosco County Prosecuting Attorney James Bacarella. Bacarella gave his personal testimony on the dangers of these operations occurring in Iosco County, which Hoadley represents in the state House.

“Prosecutor Bacarella found evidence of human trafficking, illegal firearms, dangerous chemicals, methamphetamines and other safety hazards, but he was only able to bring misdemeanor charges,” said Hoadley. “That’s not right. I am going to give those fighting for justice the tools necessary to do their jobs.”

The package of bills is slated for a committee vote in the House Regulatory Reform Committee in the coming weeks.