© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Legislature Asked To Adopt Marijuana Initiative

Medical marijuana photo
Dank Depot
/
flickr creative commons

A group opposed to legalizing marijuana in Michigan is now asking the Legislature to adopt an initiative to do just that, As Capital Bureau Chief Rick Pluta reports, the opposition group says legalizing pot is pretty much a sure thing at this point.

Here’s why opponents actually want lawmakers to approve the measure: If they do that, changes can be made to the law with simple majorities. But, if voters adopt it, amendments will require super-majorities. 

Mark Fisk with the opposition campaign says changes are needed.

“What we want to be sure of is if we’re moving in the direction of recreational marijuana that it follows the same rules as medical marijuana.”

Fisk says if the Legislature does not approve the question, his group will likely oppose it come November.

Josh Hovey of the legalize campaign agrees the Legislature should adopt the initiative.

“There’s no need to wait for good public policy." Says Hovey. "I think this is something they should do right now.”

But Hovey says the initiative does not need to be amended.

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.
Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!