More Municipalities Should Follow The Lead Of Michigan Cities In Regards To Marijuana Initiatives
By Dan Riffle, Legislative Analyst, Marijuana Policy Project
On Tuesday, many Michigan voters can help shape the future of marijuana policy reform. Voters in five cities will be deciding on local initiatives relating to marijuana policy reform:
– Detroit (Proposal M) & Flint: Initiatives amending city code to remove criminal penalties for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana on private property by adults.
– Ypsilanti: An initiative making enforcement of laws against possessing small amounts of marijuana the city’s lowest law enforcement priority.
– Grand Rapids: Proposal 2, which would make possession of marijuana a civil offense, punishable by a fine only (like a traffic ticket) rather than jail time.
– Kalamazoo: An initiative that would allow up to three medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.
If all five of these initiatives pass, it would send a powerful message to Michigan’s elected officials that voters are tired of marijuana prohibition and do not think adults should be punished simply for consuming a substance safer than alcohol.
In most cases, these initiatives will appear at the bottom or end of your ballot, so please read all the way through. Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center if you need need help verifying the status of your registration or finding your polling place. Now get out and vote!
