Police don't have to return medical pot

LANSING (AP) -- Michigan's attorney general says law enforcement agencies that seize medical marijuana from licensed patients or caregivers don't have to return the drug when the patient or caregiver is released from custody. The opinion was issued last Thursday by Republican Bill Schuette. Schuette says Michigan's law conflicts with federal law that says marijuana can't be possessed or distributed under any circumstances. Schuette says the federal law overrides the state law and doesn't allow police officers to return the drug once seized. The opinion says officers who return the drug to patients could put themselves at risk of penalties under the federal law. The Michigan law allows possession of a certain amount of marijuana for medical purposes by properly licensed patients and caregivers. Schuette says the law is confusing and needs clarification. Published: Mon, Nov 14, 2011