As of today, it will be tougher to obtain a Medical Marijuana card, but once you get one, it will be good for two years instead of one.

It’s the first major legislative tweaking of the medical marijuana program laid out by State Health officials , since voters approved the referendum in 2008.

The new law lays out stiffer requirements for doctors, who must have face to face meetings with patients, evaluate their medical records to determine if the prescription is appropriate, and follow up to determine if the herbal remedy is working.

Issuing the card every two years will save the state cash.

The new laws also disqualify any caregiver who has perpetrated a felony in the last 10 years or ever committed an assault. Currently it only disqualifies drug offenders.

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LANSING (WKZO)