This last weekend people gathered in Ann Arbor, Michigan for the 44th annual Hash Bash. I have never been to a Hash Bash event before, but I’m told by many people that it’s something I need to experience at least once in my life. In attendance was marijuana icon Tommy Chong, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, and Michigan State Representative Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor). At the event Jeff Irwin announced that he will be introducing a bill that would legalize marijuana in Michigan. Per M Live:
Irwin said he is drafting a bill to introduce into the state legislature that would legalize marijuana in Michigan much like it has in other states.
“It’s going to be Colorado improved in the Great Lakes state,” he said.
Bernero said he is in favor of seeing the laws changed.
“It is a shame that in the year 2015 pot is still politically polarizing,” he said. “A lot of people are still afraid to embrace legalization. I’m proud to say my thinking has evolved.”
Michigan has had a lot of local marijuana reform victories, and I’m hopeful that those local victories translate into a statewide victory, whether it be via the Michigan Legislature, or via a citizen initiative. Michigan is high on my list of states that are next up to legalize. Currently, possession of any amount of marijuana without a medical card in Michigan is a misdemeanor, punishable up to one year in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
