Michigan Medical and Recreational Peace Initiative (2008)
From Ballotpedia
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The Medical and Recreational Peace Initiative would allow anyone 18 years of age or older to use cannabis on private property and would permit cultivation of cannabis on residential properties. The measure provides a $50 fine for use of cannabis in public.
This measure is a indirect initiated state statute.
Activists tried to get similar proposals on the ballot in 2000, 2002, and 2006, but failed each time to obtain sufficient signatures.
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Supporters
Sponsor of the initiative is Medical and Recreational Peace, founded by Jason Hankins of Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
"As long as a responsible adult is making the choice to smoke for their benefit and to make them feel better or relaxed, I think they should have that choice," Hankins said. "I would like to have the option to be able to grow (marijuana) on private property," Hankins said.[1]
Proponents argue that decriminalized of marijuana would eliminate many cases that are currently clogging up the court system. It would also save the tax money wasted prosecuting marijuana users, which could be spent on worthier goals, they add. They see it as unreasonable that alcohol, cigarettes, and other tobacco products are legal, yet marijuana, which is less harmful and less addictive, remains banned. If adults can exercise the freedom to use tobacco and alcohol, the same should be true for marijuana, they say.[2][3]
Opponents
None yet identified. There is a second initiative vying for placement on the November 2008 ballot—the Coalition for Compassionate Care Initiative—that would legalize marijuana use for medical reasons.
Status
Petitions for the initiative are currently being circulated. Proponents must collect at least 304,101 valid signatures by May 28, 2008, in order to have the measure presented to the Michigan State Legislature for passage. If the legislature does not pass the measure within 40 days, it would then be placed on the November 2008 ballot. If the legislature rejects the measure and approves a substitute statute instead, both measures would be placed on the ballot.
See also
- Procedures for qualifying an initiative in Michigan
- Laws governing the initiative process in Michigan
- Campaign finance requirements for Michigan ballot measures
- Michigan 2008 ballot measures
- Petition drive deadlines in 2008
- Michigan signature requirements
External links
References
- ↑ Cannibas News: "E. Rapids Man Eager To Circulate Pot Petitions," Dec. 4, 2006
- ↑ Michigan Daily: "Light one up for Michigan"
- ↑ Americans for Safe Access: "Michigan tackles medical, recreational marijuana"
