Jacob Bell
New Member
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Voters in Kalamazoo may soon get to vote on two controversial proposals.
One would change the city charter and make possession of marijuana the lowest priority crime for police, provided the person is carrying one ounce or less and is 21 years old or older.
The group behind that proposal says it will give police more time to focus on violent crime.
The other would amend the city charter to allow three commercial dispensaries in the city.
Chris Chiles of the Coalition for Compassionate Care helped gather thousands of signatures to make it happen.
"I see the need, I know people in Kalamazoo and know patients who are really struggling to find a safe and reliable place to obtain medicine," said Chiles.
That initiative is still being reviewed by the city and state.
"There just needs to be a safe and reliable access point," said Chiles, "and the city hasn't provided that yet."
On Friday Attorney General Bill Schuette came out strongly against the other marijuana ballot measure, to make an ounce or less of marijuana the lowest priority for police.
Schuette said, "it is simply unfathomable that we would ask police officers to look the other way when a crime is being committed. The amendment is illegal and will send the signal that random marijuana use is acceptable.
But what do voters in Kalamazoo think? Newschannel 3 spoke to several voters on Friday.
"It is a waste for the police department to be worrying about such a low priority as marijuana," said David Kramnic.
"If the question is should marijuana be treated as a lesser crime, I would probably vote yes," said Amanda Bard.
Since both measures were initiated by petitions, there is nothing the attorney general or the governor can do to keep them off the ballot. Currently the governor is reviewing the low priority question, he can either approve or not approve, but either way it will still go before voters.
The dispensary measure still has to be reviewed by both the attorney general and the governor.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: wwmt.com
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: Freedom Communications
Website: Two marijuana issues expected on November ballot
One would change the city charter and make possession of marijuana the lowest priority crime for police, provided the person is carrying one ounce or less and is 21 years old or older.
The group behind that proposal says it will give police more time to focus on violent crime.
The other would amend the city charter to allow three commercial dispensaries in the city.
Chris Chiles of the Coalition for Compassionate Care helped gather thousands of signatures to make it happen.
"I see the need, I know people in Kalamazoo and know patients who are really struggling to find a safe and reliable place to obtain medicine," said Chiles.
That initiative is still being reviewed by the city and state.
"There just needs to be a safe and reliable access point," said Chiles, "and the city hasn't provided that yet."
On Friday Attorney General Bill Schuette came out strongly against the other marijuana ballot measure, to make an ounce or less of marijuana the lowest priority for police.
Schuette said, "it is simply unfathomable that we would ask police officers to look the other way when a crime is being committed. The amendment is illegal and will send the signal that random marijuana use is acceptable.
But what do voters in Kalamazoo think? Newschannel 3 spoke to several voters on Friday.
"It is a waste for the police department to be worrying about such a low priority as marijuana," said David Kramnic.
"If the question is should marijuana be treated as a lesser crime, I would probably vote yes," said Amanda Bard.
Since both measures were initiated by petitions, there is nothing the attorney general or the governor can do to keep them off the ballot. Currently the governor is reviewing the low priority question, he can either approve or not approve, but either way it will still go before voters.
The dispensary measure still has to be reviewed by both the attorney general and the governor.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: wwmt.com
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: Freedom Communications
Website: Two marijuana issues expected on November ballot
