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Posted on Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:57 a.m.

Ypsilanti marijuana supporters: Proposal approval may lead to statewide drug reform efforts

By Katrease Stafford

marijuana1.jpg

Supporters of the Ypsilanti marijuana initiative waited for results Tuesday at the 3rd Coast Compassion Center at 19 N. Hamilton St.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

In the wake of Ypsilanti voters overwhelmingly approving a marijuana proposal Tuesday to redirect police efforts from enforcing laws against marijuana use, officials say the initiative will be largely ineffective, but supporters are calling it a breakthrough.

Across the state, five cities passed marijuana-related proposals with a majority vote. Nationwide, Washington and Colorado residents voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

In Ypsilanti, the Eastern Michigan University student organization Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Ypsilanti Lowest Law Enforcement Priority initiative organized the efforts and gathered signatures for it to be placed on the ballot.

LLEP Political Director Chuck Ream acknowledged the measure is largely symbolic, but said it's a step in the right direction. Results showed 5,635 voters, 74 percent, favored the marijuana proposal and 1,914 were against it.

"it doesn’t mean much for the city of Ypsilanti right now specifically," Ream said. "Ypsi has much bigger problems than this. For Ypsilanti, it won't have a lot of meaning other than protecting people from being busted for small amounts…. We're thinking in the bigger picture."

Ream said the next goal will be to move toward decriminalizing marijuana in the entire state.

"The state legislature has to enact statewide decriminalization," Ream said. "…That is the least we’re demanding in this."

Ream said the vote was a firm statement made by the residents of Ypsilanti.

"I'm elated and very happy about the wisdom of the voters of Ypsilanti," Ream said. "It's time we ended cannabis prohibition because it doesn't do any good. The law hurts so many people more than the herb does."

CHUCK REAM 1 OF 1 EG.JPG

Chuck Ream

File photo

Ypsilanti Police Chief Amy Walker said in an email to AnnArbor.com that she was surprised that the issue was placed on the ballot given the current financial issues facing the city.

"This comes at a time when the police department is at its lowest staffing in over 20 years," Walker said. "The men and women of this police department do their very best every day to help and improve the quality of life for the citizens."

Walker did not specifically say whether she was against the proposal, but she did state that the department will devote its time to more serious issues.

"The present state of the marijuana law in Michigan is in flux and I understand that the legal community is waiting for direction from the Michigan Supreme Court," Walker said. "The Ypsilanti Police Department takes all crime seriously, and we are under oath to enforce the law. Because of limited resources, we must devote the most effort to the most serious crimes against people and property."

Ream said he will remain hopeful that local law enforcement and politicians respect the voters' wishes and make the use or consumption of one ounce or less of usable marijuana by adults 21 years or older the lowest priority of law enforcement personnel.

"The police and elected officials can do whatever they want because they can say they’re just following state law, but if you look at this thing, it calls for an annual report for how many people have been busted in Ypsilanti," Ream said. "Through that report, we will see anually if that’s making any difference. We want those numbers to go down to zero."

Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber said he was surprised to see the margin of victory for the proposal.

"I think that the Ypsilanti police were already putting marijuana as a low priority, so I don’t see it changing a lot," Schreiber said. "It may be a step by some to legalize marijuana. I don’t know what else it means."

Schreiber said at this point, he's neither for nor against the legalization of marijuana. Schreiber said he would have to see more information about any efforts to legalize or decriminalize marijuana before stating his stance.

"I don’t think marijuana is an evil drug that leads to the hard stuff," he said. "I think it’s a recreational drug and obviously can impair you."

The Marijuana Policy Project, an organization that advocates heavily for the decriminalization of marijuana, has noted the progress drug reform has made since the groups inception in 1995.

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Supporters met Tuesday night at 3rd Coast Compassion Center in Ypsilanti.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

"In total, there are 16 states that generally won't jail someone for possession of a small amount of marijuana, once those laws are in effect," said Karen O'Keefe, MMP Director of State Policies. "That counts both states with fines for possession and Washington and Colorado, where it's legal. It also counts Alaska, where courts have ruled personal possession in one's home is protected by the state constitution's right to privacy."

O'Keefe, who once lived in Michigan and is now stationed out of West Hollywood in California, said she has noticed a trend in Michigan of a growing number of citizens being more in favor of lesser or no penalties for marijuana usage.

MLive.com reported Tuesday Grand Rapids voted to make marijuana possession a $25 civil infraction and Kalamazoo approved mandated dispensaries. Flint voted on a law similar to the one that also passed in Detroit Tuesday that would decriminalize marijuana possession up to an ounce.

Resistance already is being met in Flint after officials released a statement Wednesday stating police will still prosecute individuals for possession despite 57 percent of voters passing the initiative, according to MLive.com. The measure will amend the city ordinance to remove penalties for anyone 19 years or older who has less than an ounce of marijuana.

O'Keefe noted the Ypsilanti initiative won by a "huge margin" and that's something they're seeing more of, reinforcing that a state-level reform needs to occur.

"Voters don't think the current approach is working and this really reflects there's a sentiment in Michigan voters that we need to have a new approach to marijuana," O'Keefe said. "I would hope that legislaors would look at this. Nationally, we're seeing a substantial amount of people that think it's not something people should go to jail for."

Ream, who also helped organize the efforts in Kalamazoo, said more work is ahead of marijuana supporters.

"There’s nothing wrong with cannabis," Ream said. "Cannabis is good for you. Cannabis prohibition isn't about the herb, it's about social control and controlling black people, brown people and weirdos… We’ve had 20 million arrests since I was in college in 1970 and it's got to stop, and the first step is the legislation to enact the decriminalization."

Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2548 or KatreaseStafford@annarbor.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @KatreaseS.

Comments

mady

Sat, Nov 10, 2012 : 6:39 p.m.

@dan shields: call it anything you like, that's your right. what matters to me is my daughter having some quality of life and doesn't have to deal with excruciating pain and in the end, that's what is important to me. Say what you will, I don't particularly care.

ahi

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 6:47 p.m.

There are 4 dispensaries within walking distance of my house. It's pretty clear Ypsi enjoys its marijuana. While possession was already low on the priority list for YPD, this proposal does serve as confirmation that the vast majority of Ypsi voters are okay with how it's being handled by city police. There is a lot of discretion in policing so it is important for a community to give their law enforcement officers guidance on how they want to be policed.

timjbd

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.

That photo does not shows the bowls of munchies.

StopCrying

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.

lol you seem to be confused by your own typo?

timjbd

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.

shows?

music to my ear

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.

man made alcohol, god made weed we trust in god so please save your seeds.remember that saying from the 70,s on t-shirts.

missreal

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 5:46 a.m.

I find it real funny when people are quick to add in random "stitistical facts" because your demographics may differ from others. By the high volume of votes that passed this proposal, its ovious, all those votes were not primarily from impovished neighborhoods..Furthermore, its people like you that come into those same neighborhoods adding to the problems already faced in these areas.....

A A Resident

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : midnight

Greg, what about this is complicated? I was a teenager during the hippie and drug era, and indulged a little bit. Based on that experience, I made a decision not to involve drugs very much in my future. I will recommend that path to others, but won't attempt to enforce it. If others attempt to enforce it, I understand where they're coming from. I have a bigger challenge understanding naivety regarding drugs, including alcohol. Some of us folks who have been through it could be a valuable resource. Younger folks may find some appeal in repeating generations of mistakes, and I did too, but it's not the most direct path to advancing civilization..

StopCrying

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 3:52 p.m.

So because you could not control yourself when smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol you feel that nobody should have a right to use it either? Good thought process. I have worked full time for 20 years with a solid job and smoked marijuana almost daily. Civilization advances just fine with marijuana being around. We got where are now somehow and some reefer is not going to be the thing that suddenly crashes the universe.

Greg

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.

AA Resident - Would be nice if you took a look at the real world. Drugs are available far wider than when the "war" started. We have made drug lords rich and funded massive gangs and violence with the incredibly artificially inflated prices. What part of this is too complicated for you???

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 10:28 p.m.

"Woman in Ypsilanti", there is no shortage of plant-based and natural substances which are toxic or lethal to humans. Since you brought up the subject of motorcycle helmets, I am a motorcycle rider, and and remain vehemently opposed to the changes allowing non-use of helmets. Yeah, I have a reaction that riding without one is cool an' all, but sometimes we need to consider thoughts beyond what our hormones and addictions twist us into thinking. But your raising of the helmet law is a great example of how people sometimes need laws to protect themselves, and society, against damage people can inflict on themselves and others, without meaning to, or fully understanding all the consequences. On the plus side, the repeal of the helmet law will probably result in more "organ donors". That's what emergency rooms have already calling motorcycle riders for many years now..

Woman in Ypsilanti

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.

I am aware that there are lots of plants which are harmful to humans but most of those plants haven't been made *illegal*. At most, there are noxious weed ordinances at the local level. Marijuana btw, is not poison nor is it especially harmful to human health. It certainly isn't toxic in any way. My point with the motorcycle example is that we don't need to protect people from marijuana because it simply isn't as dangerous as riding a motorcycle (even with a helmet). The reason to require helmets is because of the risk to *others.* Helmetless riders present a risk to others since apparently drivers can be held criminally liable if they have an accident that results in a death and not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle really increases the risk of death in any accident. Someone smoking marijuana in their house harms NO ONE except possibly their own family in ways that all addictions can be harmful to interpersonal relationships. But do we, as a society, really want to go there where we managing people's personal relationships to such a degree? Think about how you would feel if people were trying to pass a law that made riding a motorcycle illegal. I am guessing that you would feel like your freedom was being restricted and that, as an adult, you should have the right to weigh the risks and make your own decisions. So how come you don't feel that way about marijuana even though all of the evidence is that it is much MUCH safer than riding a motorcycle. I think that as a society, we should allow people to ride motorcycles *and* smoke weed (just not at the same time).

lefty48197

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 2:12 a.m.

What exactly does the marijuana prohibition protect us from?

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.

P.S. So I'm not claiming that I'm not part of the problem, but at least I might be willing to think of the variables in a somewhat rational way, as opposed to denying that I'm part of the problem. Those of you who see things more in terms of "black and white", and obvious choices. post 'em up, and I'll be more than happy to shoot them down.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.

I still think it is really funny that a *plant* has been made illegal. It doesn't take a genius to figure out how to make this drug (hint: it involves dirt, water, and sunlight). It is simply futile to ban it. So why spend billions enforcing these laws? To keep people from smoking *weed*? I am not going to say that marijuana is harmless but come on, it sure isn't harmful enough to ban it. We let people ride motorcycles without helmets for goodness sakes, I think we can handle letting people take the risk of puffing down on a doobie in the privacy of their own home.

ypsi 1

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.

Pot laws will never change the way that the laws were set up in the early 20th century. It became a taxable drug that required a tax license which the government will NEVER issue.

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.

Mady, it sounds like you are making a case for medical marijuana. Medical use, and recreational use are separate issues to many people. Or are you saying that the medical usefulness justifies recreational use?

mady

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.

@ A A Resident, I am making a case for legalization. Period. I am also making a case for people's right to choose what they put into their bodies, which is and should remain, up to the individual. it is not up to me, you, or the government to dictate this. please understand, I am not saying that people should have the right to get stoned and then get behind the wheel, that's as irresponsible as driving drunk. BUT. what a person chooses to do in the privacy of their own home, behind closed doors, is and must remain their business and no one else's.

lefty48197

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.

Oxygen hog.

justcurious

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.

A A Resident, just go to Netflix. Look up the documentary "The Union". I would love to hear your comments on it.

Jon Wax

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.

1. the feds are still going after it. remember "the nail that sticks out the furthest gets hammered the hardest." ask adam. 2. obama is probably going to surprise a lot of people when he goes HARD against weed. aside from the fact that he has 2 daughters, i will be 20 bucks that michelle would beat him DOWN twice if she heard he went soft on weed. upper middle class black folks have been working very hard for a long time to get out from under the stigma of the "weed smoking black gangster". the thing he SHOULD be focused on is the imbalance in the prosecution and sentencing guidelines based on crack vs powder cocaine. THAT'S some leftover racism from the 80s that doesn't even try to be subtle. And he already slipped and said he is going after assault rifles. so once the feds start busting folks, any of those busts that involve weapons found at the scene are going to be even more "ammunition" for an antiweed/antigang/antigun climate. and 2013 is NOT the year you want to be in a gang, smoking weed on a street someplace. THOSE cats are in for a shock and a half. 3. all these laws do is justify why already cash strapped cities with too few officers who are overworked, underpaid and destroyed moralewise won't be sending officers to calls related to weed. now wait and watch... next year the same politicians will claim "crime is down" when the reality is they just stopped busting people for it. not the same thing. pittsfield is a good example of how to spin numbers any way you want to make it look good in print. 4. once again... Ann Arbor has been the leader in this subject for years. we should be the first to figure out a way to tax it without Holder coming down here and busting half the county. how about some of the tax payers dollars pays for a lawyer to figure THAT out. Peace Wax

mady

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.

@sheepyd: I am going to tell you the same thing I told Carole: one of my daughters has Degenerative Disc Disorder(look it up)that 4 surgeries have failed to correct. she has taken every high-end pain med that Big Pharma has to offer, the only long-term result being 1)lowered efficacy of the drug , and 2) compromised liver/kidney function which necessitated her stopping these med's anyway(see: blessing in disguise). the only long-term solution to the DEBILITATING BACK PAIN that she has to deal with on a daily basis is a hot shower, and a joint. wanting to have some quality of life is NOT selfish. wanting to relieve ongoing pain is ALSO NOT SELFISH. sign me, an unapologetic mother who loves her children and doesn't like it when they are in pain(imagine!!!!)

music to my ear

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.

Mady,well said man made alcohol,god made weed we trust in god so please save your seeds.I am happy that your daughter has some relief.

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.

Fiest, the government is already coming down with increasing vigilance on "tobacco freedom". Also on "alcohol freedom", but much less so than tobacco. Why the difference? I don't know. Maybe they don't think we can be happy unless they leave us with at least one familiar vice. Or maybe they're sympathetic toward all us guys wouldn't have any chance at all with women if we couldn't buy them a couple of drinks first. LOL

treetowncartel

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.

Legalize it, regulate it and tax the beejezus out of it like alcohol and tobacco!! The state could use the income.

Rj Fiest

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.

In response to Carole what about Alcohol and Cigarettes? don't those fry your brain? Marijuana is non addictive, you can't overdose on it, & yet prescription drugs can cause cancers ulcers and even death, I think before you speak on an issue you should do your homework first.

28's..andtheydon'trub

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.

1-Mary being illegal just makes its street value worth more, common sense. 2-Tell me since it has been legalize for medicinal, etc do you have more people dying from pot or alcohol? right I know that answer too. 3- Is it just me or did more people this summer die from fake pot (k2) or the real deal? Exacty Socitey needs to really focus on things that are REALLY hurting people. Alcohol & cigarettes

Rj Fiest

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 6:02 p.m.

I agree with you whole heartedly!!! Cigarettes and Alcohol have ruined my family, however Marijuana has improved it.

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.

Dogpaddle wrote: "Burglary is a violent crime against property." Nope. Inanimate property isn't cognizant of violence. Violence against property is just a construct which we impose, typically from failing to make an adequate distinction between "things" and "self". In other words, we partly believe that we are our stuff, or that our stuff is part of us, or that it defines us.

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 6:40 p.m.

Sure, you can have my TV if it's important to you. I doubt very much that it's "worthy of purchase" though, and you probably already have something better than a 10-year-old 12 inch. :-)

StopCrying

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:40 p.m.

*worthy of purchase*

StopCrying

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.

Sorry AA Resident, if someone steals stuff that I initially thought was worthy of purpose I am going to reclaim my property. That seems more logical to me than "giving power". That being said..can I have your TV?

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.

StopCrying, you are giving other people a surprising amount of power over you. It is YOU who really has the power over your reaction to someone removing some of "your" stuff. Sure, I fall into the same trap, but at least I understand the construct a little bit, rather getting totally sucked in. ;-)

StopCrying

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.

If you take my property you are effectively removing an asset of mine. I must now waste time and money to replace the said asset that you removed. Thus we are left with a crime upon another person. If you smoke weed. You are high. I am not effected whatsoever. I waste no time or money on you being high.

sheepyd

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:25 p.m.

You people need to wake up and stop believing the false idea that someone caught with a joint was going to jail or punished severely. Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti have had lenient drug laws for years. If any of you actually read the newspapers in this area you would realize that our judges don't sent violent offenders to jail so how can you sit here and lie about the poor marijuana smoker being locked up. No one and I mean no one in Ypsilanti is serving time in the County jail for small amounts of marijuana unless they are convicted of other crimes or fail to meet conditions of probation. Nothing is going to change with this stupid proposal. You people and by you I mean those that believe the police have some vendetta against marijuana smokers need to lay off the weed for a day and stop playing the victim. For those that have been caught with a small amount of marijuana and had to pay a fine; you knowingly broke a law and then you complain about the consequences, grow up! There is study after study that shows a correlation between poverty, citizens on government assistance and the use of illegal drugs and alcohol. So our answer to society's ill, a high unemployment rate, failing schools, crushing debt and the honey boo boo generation is to legalize marijuana, good. I imagine those of us that still enjoy morality, success and a high standard of living will continue to go to work and not sit home collecting welfare and smoking weed. By the way I don't need to hear about how your a doctor/lawyer/ millionaire etc... and you smoke weed, you weren't the ones being arrested to begin with. Legalize Heroin as well that seems to be a drug of choice in Ypsilanit, free needle exchange, maybe opium house on every corner. I bet businesses are going to flock to Ypsilanti, what a joke.

sheepyd

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.

Here is just one study, linking poverty and drug use as well as how detrimental drugs are to the family dynamic. http://www.nber.org/chapters/c11165.pdf . It's called a google search or go to any University's library database and you will find thousands of more articles on the link between illegal drug use, poor diet, poor health, single family homes, lower income, criminal activity, dependency on government assistance etc..... You see this legalization movement really comes down to selfish behavior, the few people who hold down gainful employment and smoke weed dont realize that there are a lot of people who can't get a decent job because they can't pass a drug test, so they live off the government, use illegal drugs, committ illegal crimes (selling drugs, stealing etc...) have children outside of marriage who grow up on government assistance and grow up believing that it is ok to have the government give you a WIC card or a Bridge Card, or subsidize your housing while you sit in the living room that the taxpayers provide you smoking weed and drinking alcohol instead of going to work. While legalization may be in our future, private businesses can restrict hiring practices to exclude smokers, as well as those who use marijuana. So until people realize that being a lazy high on doesn't work well in the job market places like Ypsilanti will stay places like Ypsilanti.

YouAreNotAlwaysRight

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.

"There is study after study that shows a correlation between poverty, citizens on government assistance and the use of illegal drugs and alcohol." You speak like alcohol isn't a drug. You are altering your reality and becoming intoxicated, it most certainly is. "By the way I don't need to hear about how your a doctor/lawyer/ millionaire etc" you're* :)

Rj Fiest

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.

you talk of going to work yet you sit and complain about us advocates, if you oppose this law thats fine but get a life. The only joke here is you comparing heroine a drug known to kill to Marijuana a drug with actual medicinal properties and 0 related deaths a year.

StopCrying

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:37 p.m.

Heroin is on the rise because of prescription pills. You wanting to infringe on a persons rights to do what they want with their own bodies and lives, based off a study that you fail to provide is offensive. You need to wake up and realize that this is just a plant and not a prescription pill or heroin or cocaine.

Milton Shift

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:18 p.m.

Officers say the initiative will be largely ineffective. I think it's time we acknowledge they are not simply "doing their jobs," but disregarding democracy so that they can impose their own outdated, reactionary views on society.

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.

Milton and Larry, ours is not a "direct democracy", in which every issue is directly decided by a vote of the population. It never was. Instead, it is more along the lines of a "representative democracy". For better or worse, that's how our system was set up, and the police aren't disregarding it.

YpsiLarry

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.

The problem is that police, prosecutors and judges no longer view themselves as public servants, but as our masters who know better was is good for us and think they can lead us like sheep.

dogpaddle

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.

@AA Resident: Burglary is a violent crime against property. More importantly, violent or not, you missed my point. Burglary is harm to someone else, as are other "real" crimes. A person smoking marijuana ideally in the same way we expect people to responsibly drink does no harm to you (unless someone drinks or smokes irresponsibly such as DUI and causes an accident which is also a crime and a serious one). The only harm that might be done to you related to marijuana is because it's illegal, meaning that perhaps a loved one of yours might be needlessly incarcerated or perhaps someone you know was involved in violence (stealing included) again because of "mob" or "gang" mentality that has exploded due to making something illegal that needn't be.

mady

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 6:34 p.m.

dogpaddle, kudos!!!! again, Mady

Rj Fiest

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.

Very well spoken, I couldn't have said it better myself

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.

Dogpaddle, burglary needn't be violent, and needn't be a crime. It is criminalization and people's attitudes which result in violence (not unlike marijuana). If people would just give up their silly and selfish attitudes about "owning stuff", others taking it wouldn't be a problem, and we could avoid needless incarceration, law enforcement expense, and violence. And besides, prohibition of burglary has never worked. It continues, despite being illegal.

StopCrying

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.

Your argument is invalid from the beginning. Smoking weed is something that someone does to themselves. Burglarizing someone else's property infringes on that persons rights. Do you understand that there is a difference here?

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.

Thanks for enjoying it! It turned out to be rather easy to employ some of the same arguments that people use for justifying legalization of marijuana.

dsponini

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.

I think I just LOL'd myself with your ridiculous statement!

Robert Granville

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.

Drug prohibition is an abject failure. We need legalization in Michigan in 2016.

timjbd

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.

Yes, definitely an off-year. 2014!

YpsiLarry

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.

2014 not 2016, the presidential elections always bring out the worst voters who tend to vote no to every ballot initiative.

Goofus

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:21 p.m.

Legalize, License, and Tax.

justcurious

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 8 p.m.

Goofus, you're a genius. I like that about you.

dsponini

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.

We could pay off the national debt in 2 years!!

dogpaddle

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.

@AA Resident: Burglary and other violent crimes to people or property are exactly that. On the other hand, hypothetically speaking, if I were to smoke a joint in the privacy of my own home, it does not have a negative impact on you, none whatsoever! That's the difference between prohibiting burglary versus prohibiting a plant that grows naturally out of the ground and can be enjoyed in moderation and have less serious effects on the body than say fermented corn (aka bourbon) which the government spent billions on to prohibit decades ago and led to high crimes just like illegal weed leads to now. Or put another way, our government is to provide us an avenue for life, liberty and pursuit of happiness as long my pursuits don't hamper yours. Likewise, yours shouldn't hamper others. Again, other people smoking weed have zero effect on your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Burglary does. That's the difference.

mady

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.

Dogpaddle, thank you for your comment. warm regards, Mady

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.

Mady, if prohibition doesn't work, why do we bother prohibiting anything at all? Perhaps we should lift the prohibition on burglary?

StopCrying

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.

Prohibition in regards to an act upon oneself. Comparing one person smoking their own weed into their own body and another breaking into someone elses house is ridiculous and often those mindsets are the reasons dumb things like prohibition get started. Do your own research about why marijuana was banned in the first place, it is not because the kids might get it! Prohibition on alcohol = mafia. Prohibition on weed = mexican drug cartels..do you see the trend?

mady

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.

A A resident, I am not referring to burglary which is a completely different matter. I am referring to a person's right to light up in the privacy of one's own home. your right to swing your fist ends where my nose begins, some laws actually make sense, i.e. no you may NOT take something that you didn't pay for or that belongs to someone else. please stop trying to confuse the issue because I ain't buying it.

mady

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.

Prohibition does not work. never has. people will do what they will do whether it's legal or not, and I am beyond tired of my taxpayer $$$ getting poured into this "reefer madness" mentality. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.

Here's one of the problems we already have with legal intoxicants: In 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 35 percent of all traffic deaths occurred in crashes in which at least one driver had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more. To put that in perspective, the number of US vehicle deaths related to intoxicants each year is higher than the number of Americans killed each year during the Vietnam War. Perhaps driving stoned isn't as dangerous? But maybe it would be prudent to study that before pushing legalization. Maybe it will turn out that stoned people just drive really really slow, and the biggest danger is the distraction from munching Cheetos while they are driving. LOL

Woman in Ypsilanti

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.

No one is suggesting that it should be legal to drive while on pot. There is no need to ban the substance entirely just because you don't want people to drive while using it. Ban driving while under the influence.

Brad Forrester

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 6:40 p.m.

This concern is understandable, but without merit. Below is a link to a report I wrote about the significant decline in traffic fatalities in Michigan over the past 10 years, a time frame that includes 3 years of our medical cannabis experiment. At the bottom of the report I supply links to the Michigan State Police data I used to compile the report. http://www.thecompassionchronicles.com/2012/10/25/forrester-driving-stoned-in-michigan-an-analysis/ .

Robert Granville

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.

It's been studied? Did you bother to check. The consensus is little to no impairment for regular users.... a huge gaping chasm between pot and alcohol impairment.

music to my ear

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.

but what if you are caught with drug paraphernalia that is only for pot use does that apply also?

Katrease Stafford

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.

What I find interesting is that some of the local leaders said to me they were surprised at how this proposal effort turned out-- not just that it passed, but the high percentage in which it passed. According to Ream, this is the highest percentage yet across the country for a marijuana related proposal. Were any of you surprised once you saw the numbers coming in election night?

justcurious

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.

Katrease, people are getting educated on the folly of including pot under the same laws that are used for drugs like cocaine. People are understanding that all it has done is create a very nasty and dangerous market for illegal pot. People are rejecting the notions that pot is addictive and dangerous.

Lewis Colon

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.

"Were any of you surprised once you saw the numbers coming in election night?" Nope - sane people "know".

dsponini

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.

The war on drugs is a total failure. Pot is readily available, Detroit was smart in decriminalizing it...don't the police have bigger battles to fight?

music to my ear

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.

I am sorry that your police force wont be able to bust people with small amounts of pot to net your city boo cool bucks,it can cost thousands to get out of just having a small amount on you , then the random drug testing, oh and the money the police take and call it siege not caring that it is the persons rent money,and if you want to get it back, guess what there is another fee on that and it is not a guaranteed that you will get your money back,I dont smoke but I know people that this has happened to. so yes the courts have more time to fight real crime and maybe our jails will have less tenants if they were habitual offenders. awesome for the smokers or bakers. brownies anyone!!!!!

music to my ear

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.

I ll never tell I don't know if that is within the new law.

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.

Perhaps you don't smoke it, but based on the writing style, are you sure you didn't have a marijuana brownie for breakfast? (wink)

America

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:11 p.m.

Make it a controlled substance like morphine. But it behind pharmacy counters. Offer it with a prescription only and only in measurable solid or liquid form, not smoked.Then make the punishment for illegal possession the same as with any controlled substance. That way the government can collect taxes and it is well managed 7 controlled. That is the real answer. In any case I hope our federal government comes down hard on all state and local laws that ignore the federal law that over rides state law as it pertains to illegal drug possession and use.

timjbd

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.

Wrong. Keep it natural. The way God intended...

StopCrying

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:52 p.m.

That is an awful answer actually. As Robert pointed out the market for normal weed would still exist and it would continue to be fulfilled outside of the government.

Robert Granville

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.

That would do nothing to control the black market.

Lewis Colon

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.

Nope. Big Pharma has caused more deaths than all illicit drug use combined EVERY YEAR and have some of the highest corporate profits (and lobby's and fraud and...) so I do NOT want it that way. Treat it like tobacco/alcohol. The feds have blown 1.3 TRILLION dollars since the end of the Nixon era and clearly has failed in something they can never win/control. Humankind has sought out relief and/or intoxication since the beginning of time and no laws have ever been effective in controlling that. Nor do I want companies like Monsanto having their hands in the process either (and yes, they are working on it in the form of Hemp farming - another major loss to our economy due to stupidity). There are no arguments for drug prohibition that cannot be sanely argued - NONE/NADA/ZIP.

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.

Greg wrote: "Great, after at least 700 billion dollars spent the (last I saw a count) spent on a completely failed drug war (by any measure you care to make), some rational actions at last." _________________________ How are you defining "failure"? Lack of total success? If the goal is to reduce availability, the drug laws may be working. It's not like we don't already have enough problems with legal intoxicants. Or maybe you think we don't?

StopCrying

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.

AA Resident you seem to be clueless on this matter. I went to high school in Dexter and weed was easier to get than alcohol. What is the point of the war if an illegal drug is easier for kids to get than a legal one?

Dipstick

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.

My evidence is that $50 to$60 will still get you an 1/8 oz of weed. Has been this price since ??? Simple supply and demand economics. Also check out this publication from the UN office of drug and crime http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2012/WDR_2012_web_small.pdf

A A Resident

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.

Dipstick, I look forward to your evidence. LOL

Dipstick

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.

If the goal was to reduce availability then, yes it has been a failure!

Billy

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 12:18 p.m.

Sorry guys.....you spent money, time, and energy to get a "law" passed that is no more than a suggestion to the police... There is no possible way to enforce or watchdog this new "law".....none whatsoever.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.

I think it was worth it just to let the world know that in Ypsilanti, 75% of the voters are ok with weed in their community.

ypsi 1

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.

all money, time and effort was spent by the proponents of this law. City clerk is required to put any proper proposals on the ballot that have required signatures, regardless of how ineffectual.

Lewis Colon

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.

Granted it is more symbolic, but it is a step. And it does have some "teeth"; by the time you get to court (assuming you had to end up there in the first place). The law does have a watchdog if you read the law - yearly reporting on arrest/details. Those reports can show whether or not the voters will is being observed along with records to help oversee if there are certain officers abusing our "will" OR via profiling as well.

Greg

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.

Great, after at least 700 billion dollars spent the (last I saw a count) spent on a completely failed drug war (by any measure you care to make), some rational actions at last.

Dipstick

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.

From 1970 to 2010 I think it was more like 1.5 Trillion. In 2010 the feds were spend $500 per second on the war on drugs. There's a Fed program that that can be cut as its effectiveness is next to zero! http://independenttalk.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/40Years0fDrugWarFailure.jpg

Carole

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.

Sorry folks, I think legalizing drugs is a very bad idea. Does anyone take the time to stop and think about what they do to your brain. It fries it. Sorry a no to this.

StopCrying

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 3:45 p.m.

@Dan Shields " just make your head feel better and maybe not as much stressed about the situation." If marijuana even does that then it is better than liver failure from the pills she is getting.

Dan Shields

Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 2:13 a.m.

@mady I have to totally call BS on your Daughter's claims that marijuana helps her current situation. I have struggled with the same issues my whole adult life and can tell you one thing, marijuana does not work well as a pain reliever from disc pain, especially if there is sciatica. Just google it and you will see where people are saying it is actually making their pain worse. Really the only way to get rid of the pain and not notice is to get stupidly drunk. When it comes to nerve and disc pain there usually isn't much any narcotic that can make your pain go away, just make your head feel better and maybe not as much stressed about the situation. People with back pain will usually benefit more from eating really healthy, staying in shape and have a strong core. So you see, living a very healthy lifestyle is probably better then trying to use any thing to medicate the pain.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.

It is a bit of a reach to say that Marijuana "fries" a brain. It really doesn't cause a lot of significant long term damage although yes, it does cause some short term memory loss issues. There are a lot of functioning pot heads out there though and if it actually damaged people's brains in the way you suggest, there wouldn't be. I am not going to take the position that this drug is harmless but it does have some benefits and I am ok with letting people decide for themselves if the downsides associated with pot are worth it for the up sides.

mady

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.

Carole.....do you see how you are being voted down.......?

Brad Forrester

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 6:34 p.m.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17140265

Brad Forrester

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 6:33 p.m.

Cannabis is different than "drugs" in this respect. The study I linked below clearly demonstrates that cannabis helps block the onset of alzheimer's disease. Other less complete studies have found absolutely no negative effect on the brain from cannabis use. You still have that image of an egg in a frying pan etched on your brain. The "this is your brain, this is your brain on drugs" rhetoric was a lie then, and it's still a lie today!

dsponini

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.

I smoked pot with my best friend everyday for 35 years. Last January he lost his battle with alcoholism and died from liver failure at the age of 53. Alcohol kills people, pot is a natural plant that has never killed anyone.

YouAreNotAlwaysRight

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.

@Carole, what about alcohol? One of the most destructive drugs out there. You know how many injuries, life-long illnesses, mistakes, and poor personalities that are contributed to alcohol? Because it is far, far, higher than marijuana. I have personally seen people who can get off their stupid prescriptions which are so detrimental by simply smoking that plant alone. Yes, there are many drugs that fry your brain and which should not be legalized, but there is a pretty fine line and the sides are pretty obvious.

mady

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:39 p.m.

if I could vote you down a million times I'd do it.

mady

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.

Carole, one of my daughters has degenerative disc disease that 4 back surgeries have done little or nothing to correct. She has taken every high-end pain medication that Big Pharma has to offer and the only long-term effect that all these pills have had are: 1)reduced efficacy, 2) serious problems w/her liver function that made it necessary for her to stop taking these pills that weren't doing that much good anyway. in the long run, the only way she has to deal with the debilitating back pain which dogs her every day is a hot shower and a joint. Statements like this one simply infuriate me. I defy ANYONE to tell me that my daughter has to live every day in this kind of pain, and has no quality of life. sign me, an angry mother who does NOT like to see her children in pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Homeland Conspiracy

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.

1. Hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicodin) Pain Killer <- Pot's better 2. Simvastatin (Zocor) serious side effects: unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine; pain or burning when you urinate; swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all; or nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Less serious side effects may include: headache; joint pain, mild muscle pain; constipation, stomach pain or indigestion, mild nausea; mild skin rash; sleep problems (insomnia); or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Dipstick

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.

What do two of the of the most widely used legal drugs do to you?

Homeland Conspiracy

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.

There are many many drugs on the market right now that do a lot of damage to the brain & many other parts of the body. Most are from the BIG drug pharmaceutical co. Just because a person with a white jacket on gives them to you doesn't make them 100% safe. It seems more ppl are dying from prescription drugs these day than pot.

Ignatz

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 12:43 p.m.

Carole, Take enough of anything and it'll fry your brain (or be similarly detrimental). Taken in moderation, marijuana is just fine, especially if not smoked. What's not fine in moderation is being thrown in prison with the ultra violent.

Billy

Thu, Nov 8, 2012 : 12:14 p.m.

Derp?