Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
East Lansing - Residents will get a say on proposed changes to East Lansing's marijuana ordinance.
In a city council meeting Tuesday, city officials scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 11 to discuss a change that would allow people over the age of 21 to use, possess or transfer less than an ounce of marijuana on private property.
The change would bring the city ordinance in line with a charter amendment approved by voters in May 2015.
"The first point is to conform it to the charter because you shouldn't have a law in your books that's different than your charter," said Tom Yeadon, East Lansing's city attorney.
The ordinance change also would make marijuana possession that falls outside of the new legal parameters - possession of less than an ounce on public property or by a person under 21 - a civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor.
The civil infraction would carry a $25 fine, community service or a requirement to participate in substance abuse courses.
The ordinance wouldn't affect officers' ability to charge a person with a marijuana offense under state or federal law, Yeadon said. Additionally, other officers working within the city limits - such as state troopers, county deputies or campus police - can still enforce state sanctions on marijuana.
By state law, the use of marijuana is limited to the treatment of certain medical conditions and requires the user to have certification from a doctor and a state registry identification card. Federally, marijuana remains a prohibited substance.
East Lansing Police Chief Jeff Murphy said the changes likely wouldn't have an impact on police operations given the limited circumstances of the new ordinance.
However, Murphy expressed concern the changes would confuse residents further about the contradicting laws surrounding marijuana use.
"The problem for us and for the public is the state law and the ballot initiative contradict each other right at the moment," Murphy said.
"You never want somebody to think they're doing everything according to the law and then be surprised that it's still illegal because of the way this has all evolved."
Yeadon said some council members have expressed the same concern.
"That was one of council's concerns ... residents will be misinformed about what they can or cannot do within the city's bounds," Yeadon said.
Yeadon said unless Michigan State University students are on city land, the ordinance changes should not impact them.
"Our ordinances do not apply at all on MSU property," Yeadon said. "They are a separate governmental entity with their own ordinances."
Jason Cody, a spokesman for MSU, said marijuana remains illegal on campus.
"This doesn't have any effect on MSU," Cody said. "Students and employees may not possess or use marijuana on campus."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: East Lansing Weighs Decriminalizing Marijuana
Author: Beth LeBlanc
Contact: 1-517-377-1000
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Website: Lansing State Journal
In a city council meeting Tuesday, city officials scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 11 to discuss a change that would allow people over the age of 21 to use, possess or transfer less than an ounce of marijuana on private property.
The change would bring the city ordinance in line with a charter amendment approved by voters in May 2015.
"The first point is to conform it to the charter because you shouldn't have a law in your books that's different than your charter," said Tom Yeadon, East Lansing's city attorney.
The ordinance change also would make marijuana possession that falls outside of the new legal parameters - possession of less than an ounce on public property or by a person under 21 - a civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor.
The civil infraction would carry a $25 fine, community service or a requirement to participate in substance abuse courses.
The ordinance wouldn't affect officers' ability to charge a person with a marijuana offense under state or federal law, Yeadon said. Additionally, other officers working within the city limits - such as state troopers, county deputies or campus police - can still enforce state sanctions on marijuana.
By state law, the use of marijuana is limited to the treatment of certain medical conditions and requires the user to have certification from a doctor and a state registry identification card. Federally, marijuana remains a prohibited substance.
East Lansing Police Chief Jeff Murphy said the changes likely wouldn't have an impact on police operations given the limited circumstances of the new ordinance.
However, Murphy expressed concern the changes would confuse residents further about the contradicting laws surrounding marijuana use.
"The problem for us and for the public is the state law and the ballot initiative contradict each other right at the moment," Murphy said.
"You never want somebody to think they're doing everything according to the law and then be surprised that it's still illegal because of the way this has all evolved."
Yeadon said some council members have expressed the same concern.
"That was one of council's concerns ... residents will be misinformed about what they can or cannot do within the city's bounds," Yeadon said.
Yeadon said unless Michigan State University students are on city land, the ordinance changes should not impact them.
"Our ordinances do not apply at all on MSU property," Yeadon said. "They are a separate governmental entity with their own ordinances."
Jason Cody, a spokesman for MSU, said marijuana remains illegal on campus.
"This doesn't have any effect on MSU," Cody said. "Students and employees may not possess or use marijuana on campus."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: East Lansing Weighs Decriminalizing Marijuana
Author: Beth LeBlanc
Contact: 1-517-377-1000
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Website: Lansing State Journal
