East Lansing voters OK marijuana proposal

EAST LANSING – Marijuana decriminalization advocates scored a victory Tuesday as voters approved a charter amendment that removes city penalties on small quantities of the drug by nearly a two-to-one margin.

The proposal repeals the city's marijuana laws and allows the use, possession and transfer of up to 1 ounce of the drug on private property by people 21 and older.

"We are pleased the voters supported us tonight," said East Lansing attorney Jeffrey Hank, who chairs the Michigan Comprehensive Cannabis Reform Initiative. "It's very clear with the results tonight on Proposal 1 and the sales tax, the conversation should start tomorrow with Gov. Snyder and the Legislature on a reasonable plan to legalize, tax and regulate cannabis in Michigan."

Related: East Lansing voters ease requirement for city property sales

The measure would not permit use in public space or anywhere on the Michigan State University campus.

Lansing voters approved a similar amendment in 2013 and numerous cities statewide have passed decriminalization measures, including Detroit, Ferndale and Kalamazoo.