"For some individuals it's a far more effective treatment. And it's less costly. And it's easier for them to regulate their own use," says Coalition for Compassionate Care spokesperson Dianne Byrum.

The group began collecting signatures Friday, in a statewide petition to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes.

"It would be tightly regulated in Michigan. There would be a photo ID card. And it would have to be under a doctor's recommendation and care," she says.

Marinol is currently the only prescription drug on the market similar to marijuana.

"There's been talks saying that Marinol, being only one of the 66 cannabinoids in the marijuana, it's not as effective as the natural compound and there's more side effects associated," explains Ingham Regional Medical Center pharmacist Deon Johnstone.

Marijuana is used to relieve symptoms of illnesses like AIDS, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. So far twelve state have made it medically legal. If enough signatures are obtained, the issue could be put on Michigan's ballot in November of next year. It would allow users to grow their own plants and be in possession of two and half ounces at a time.

"Permitting people to grow it who have a medical need, well then how do you control that? How do you monitor that? Who's going to regulate? Where are they going to get the products from?" questions Johnstone.

"These are all things that would be put in state law through rule making after the initiative passed by the vote of the people," says Byrum.

550,000 signatures need to be obtained in the next six months to get the initiative on the ballot.