Tri-City Sun

State Representative Mike Hoadley spoke before a House committee today to advocate for House Bill 5107, legislation he introduced to address illegal marijuana grow operations in Michigan. The bill is part of a package of four bills focused on creating clearer legal standards for responsible marijuana use and strengthening enforcement against illicit activities.

Hoadley explained the purpose behind the proposed legislation: “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.”

He also highlighted concerns about public safety related to these operations. “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.”

Iosco County Prosecuting Attorney James Bacarella joined Hoadley at the committee hearing, providing testimony about the risks associated with illegal grow sites in Iosco County, which falls within Hoadley's district.

“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 group of bills will be considered by the House Regulatory Reform Committee in the coming weeks.