Michigan voters made their voices loud and clear on Tuesday with their vote on marijuana in the state.
According to ABC, a ballot measure to replace marijuana prohibition with a legal and regulated system of sales and cultivating had passed with over 50% of precincts reporting.
The measure will allow adults in Michigan over the age of 21 to posses, grow, and use small amounts of marijuana legally.
“The victory in Michigan highlights just how widespread support is for marijuana policy reform, said Steve Hawkins, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project.
“This issue does not only enjoy strong support on the coasts, but also in the Midwest and all throughout the country. Marijuana has now been legalized for adult use in one out of every five states and medical use in three out of every five, so it is safe to say federal law is in need of an update.”
Under the new legalization law adults will be able to grow up to 12 total marijuana plants at home, possess 2.5 ounces in public and store 10 ounces in their residence, as well as what they grow legally.
“Voters in Michigan sent a resounding rebuke to their state’s failed policy of prohibition and elected to follow a new, more sensible path of regulation and legalization,” NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri remarked.
“Instead of arresting thousands of citizens a year for possession of a plant, Michigan will now be able to prioritize law enforcement resources towards combating violent crime, honor personal freedom and civil liberties, end the racist application of weaponizing prohibition laws against communities of color and collect tax revenue that was previously going to black market elements and put it towards important social programs such as education and infrastructure development.”
