Decriminalization of Marijuana Gaining Support

It’s being called by some a “pot law tsunami.” Efforts are underway in up to a dozen more communities to decriminalize recreational marijuana use. A coalition of groups pushing to relax marijuana ordinances says you just might see the question on your local ballot this November. Last November, voters in Lansing, Ferndale, and Jackson approved initiatives to remove local penalties for adults’ possession of small amounts of marijuana in a private residence. In 2012, four other cities approved similar measures — Grand Rapids, Detroit, Flint, and Ypsilanti. In the meantime, a proposal to decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana statewide and remove all criminal penalties, remains before state lawmakers.