Legalizing pot for recreational use is going to be a voting issue in November
Some people were sad to hear that the Michigan State legislature chose not to vote on legalizing recreational marijuana recently. But not the pro-pot movement. Odd as that may sound, many people and coalitions that are in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana in the Great Lakes State were actually glad the issue didn’t get addressed by the legislature. Why? Because allowing the citizens to vote on it in November, they say, is the right way to go.
How did we get to this point on this issue?
The Michigan Marijuana Legalization Initiative was created by The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CRMLA). After collecting a total of 277,370 valid signatures, the bill was submitted to our Secretary of State for verification. Once it was verified, the legislature had 40 days to adopt the proposed initiative or amend it if they felt there aspects they didn’t agree with. However, on Tuesday June 5, 2018, that 40-day deadline arrived. But no motions had been made, and no votes were cast. This means that Michigan citizens will get to vote on the issue when it appears on the November ballot.
Why would a November vote be better?
So why would this be a good thing? Why would people who are pro the legalization of recreational marijuana prefer to allow the people of Michigan to vote on this issue instead of the legislature? Because if it were to pass by a popular vote, it would need two-thirds of the House and Senate to make any amendments to the bill. However, if they passed it as a law, a simple majority would be able to tweak the wording of the law however they want.
And that right there is why the pro-legalization folks were so glad that the legislators didn’t touch it. As Josh Hovey, communications director for the Regulate Marijuana campaign, told the Rolling Stone, .”Republican lawmakers wanted to have easier access to making changes, [which] might not have been bipartisan changes that are good for everybody. Now any changes that are made have to be far more bipartisan of a solution.”
If this bill passes, what would change for Michigan?
If recreational marijuana becomes legal in Michigan, a number of things will change. However, don’t be mistaken – legalizing marijuana won’t mean a state-wide free-for-all. So what exactly does it mean? Let’s take a look:
- Recreational marijuana would only be legal for use by people 21 years of age or older.
- Local communities would be allowed to regulate where and when marijuana establishments can be open.
- Businesses selling marijuana to the adult public would need to be licensed by the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Legal, adult users would be allowed to carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and keep up to 10 ounces at home.
- Legal, adult users would be allowed to grow up to 12 plants.
Could you still get into trouble for marijuana in Michigan?
If the initiative is passed? Yes, you could! People caught with more weed plants than the law allows, larger quantities of marijuana that they’re supposed to have for personal use, or underage people could all still get into trouble. And don’t forget the fact that while it may be legal in Michigan, it’s still illegal on a federal level. So if you were prosecuted in a federal court here in Michigan, you could still end up facing very serious charges for drug possession, use or sale of marijuana.
Here at The Kronzek Firm, we know that Michigan drug laws are tough, and marijuana is no exception. If you or a loved one are facing any drug charges, you’re going to need an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer to help fight against your charges. The attorneys here at The Kronzek Firm are experienced, tough, and aggressive. We know how to get you through the court system and work hard to obtain the best result in your Michigan drug case. Call 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail) to speak to someone who can make an immediate difference!