Decriminalization is sweeping Michigan – one city at a time

Each of the following Michigan cities have removed criminal penalties for the possession of a personal amount of marijuana under their own city ordinances. Ann Arbor led the way in 1972, but more recently, well over a dozen other cities in Michigan have passed similar laws. With only two exceptions, the following cities have replaced arrest and a jail sentence with a modest fine.

Unfortunately, despite broad support among voters, state law has remained unchanged, leaving those caught in possession at risk of arrest and jail. Please take a moment to urge your representative and senator to support a statewide law to remove criminal penalties for possession.

*Possession is still a criminal offense in Kalamazoo, but the city lowered penalties and removed the option of arrest.

** Voters in Ypsilanti voted in support of a “lowest priority initiative,” designed to redirect police efforts away from enforcing laws against marijuana in lieu of more serious crime.

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