Local rules: municipal marijuana legalization.

• Author: Krayewski, Ed
• Position: Citings - Maine and Michigan - Brief article

On Election Day 2013, voters in Maine's largest city and three Michigan municipalities approved measures eliminating local penalties for marijuana possession or legalizing its use on private property in their jurisdictions. The Michigan cities included the state capital, Lansing, as well as Ferndale and Jackson; they join several others in the state, including Detroit, that have passed similar initiatives.

The Lansing measure, which passed with 62 percent of the vote, actually amends the city charter to legalize the possession and use of marijuana in amounts up to an ounce. Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero supported the initiative, saying the "public is far ahead of most politicians on this issue," while Councilwoman Kathy Dunbar called the initiative a "feel good" exercise, explaining that "we follow state law in the city of Lansing." Michigan's attorney general, Bill Schuette, says he will continue to enforce existing law, irrespective of how Lansing or other cities...