Michigan Marijuana Dispensary Owner Faces Charge
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A medical marijuana dispensary owner faces a charge of violating Michigan election law after authorities say the clinic offered free pot to patients who registered to vote.
A charge was filed Monday against 34-year-old Shekina Pena, owner of Your Healthy Choice Clinic in Lansing.
Pena, of Lansing, is charged with a misdemeanor count of trying to influence voters with a "valuable consideration." The offense would be punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette's office said newly registered voters were encouraged to support certain Lansing City Council candidates. The dispensary's website also allegedly featured the slogan "Vote for Us and We'll Vote For You."
"Voters did not intend for marijuana to be handed out as a door prize, especially when it undermines the integrity of our elections process," said Schuette, in a statement. "Secretary of State [Ruth] Johnson and I will work to ensure that Michigan election law is followed," he said.
A message seeking comment was left with Pena, who in July said the offer was not intended to lure patients or try to buy their votes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
