slimvictor
Bluelight Crew
http://www.detnews.com/article/2010...nitiative-would-legalize-marijuana-in-Detroit
Initiative would legalize marijuana in Detroit
Advocate behind drive to legalize up to ounce for own use
Tom Greenwood and Mark Hicks / The Detroit News
Detroit -- Days after Michigan's no-smoking law went into effect, a Detroit resident filed a petition to make it legal for Detroiters to spark up a joint.
On Wednesday, registered medical marijuana user Tim Beck filed a petition with Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, seeking to legalize possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana for personal use.
"Some things should no longer be considered a crime, like minor marijuana possession," said Beck, 58.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/2010...d-legalize-marijuana-in-Detroit#ixzz0nFA78eVV
"We have to start addressing the massive state budget crisis, the lack of resources in Detroit and prison overcrowding.
"The money spent prosecuting those (minor marijuana possession) cases could have been used to fight more serious crimes."
The City Clerk's Office has 10 days to ensure the signatures on Beck's petition are legitimate. Then the Detroit City Council has up to 90 days to either vote for the initiative or pass it on to Detroit voters to decide in the November election.
But the initiative could face opposition.
"We would have to seriously consider the consequences ... the costs to the city even if there's a potential benefit as far as potential taxes or revenue," said City Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins. "We have to weigh that against the secondary cost, in ... additional possible criminal activities."
Rev. Ronald Griffin, of Detroit's Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ and former chairman of the Detroit Police Board of Commissioners, said he opposes such a measure because he's seen marijuana lead to other social problems.
"The more things become acceptable, you have a breakdown in every aspect of society," he said.
Beck said the legalization of a small amount of marijuana for personal use would have no effect on laws aimed at much more dangerous drugs such as heroin, crack or crystal meth.
Beck said there are similar laws already in effect in Denver and Seattle.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/2010...d-legalize-marijuana-in-Detroit#ixzz0nFA1xbFr
Initiative would legalize marijuana in Detroit
Advocate behind drive to legalize up to ounce for own use
Tom Greenwood and Mark Hicks / The Detroit News
Detroit -- Days after Michigan's no-smoking law went into effect, a Detroit resident filed a petition to make it legal for Detroiters to spark up a joint.
On Wednesday, registered medical marijuana user Tim Beck filed a petition with Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, seeking to legalize possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana for personal use.
"Some things should no longer be considered a crime, like minor marijuana possession," said Beck, 58.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/2010...d-legalize-marijuana-in-Detroit#ixzz0nFA78eVV
"We have to start addressing the massive state budget crisis, the lack of resources in Detroit and prison overcrowding.
"The money spent prosecuting those (minor marijuana possession) cases could have been used to fight more serious crimes."
The City Clerk's Office has 10 days to ensure the signatures on Beck's petition are legitimate. Then the Detroit City Council has up to 90 days to either vote for the initiative or pass it on to Detroit voters to decide in the November election.
But the initiative could face opposition.
"We would have to seriously consider the consequences ... the costs to the city even if there's a potential benefit as far as potential taxes or revenue," said City Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins. "We have to weigh that against the secondary cost, in ... additional possible criminal activities."
Rev. Ronald Griffin, of Detroit's Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ and former chairman of the Detroit Police Board of Commissioners, said he opposes such a measure because he's seen marijuana lead to other social problems.
"The more things become acceptable, you have a breakdown in every aspect of society," he said.
Beck said the legalization of a small amount of marijuana for personal use would have no effect on laws aimed at much more dangerous drugs such as heroin, crack or crystal meth.
Beck said there are similar laws already in effect in Denver and Seattle.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/2010...d-legalize-marijuana-in-Detroit#ixzz0nFA1xbFr
