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Marijuana Goes To Legislature, Maybe Ballot

Marijuana plant photo
Flickr/Creative Commons

It appears the question of legalizing marijuana in Michigan is headed to the November ballot.

As we hear from Capital Bureau Chief Rick Pluta, a state elections board has certified the campaign has enough petition signatures to take the next step.

The next step is to put the question to the Legislature, which has 40 days to approve it or it goes on the ballot.

The Republican state House speaker says a vote in the Legislature won’t happen.

Jeff Hank of the group M-I Legalize says that’s fine.

“We look forward to winning in November. At the same time, it would be great if the Legislature adopted it as is, and started this already." Hank said. "Cannabis prohibition should be over today. Not tomorrow. Today.”

Polls show wide support for legalizing marijuana in Michigan. A group opposing the measure says it may go to court to block the proposal because marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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