RELATED: See which parts of Grand Rapids favored, opposed marijuana decriminalization

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – City voters strongly favored marijuana decriminalization at the polls Tuesday, Nov. 6, giving 60 percent support to Grand Rapids' local Proposal 2 with about one out of every four precincts reporting.

The decision amends the city charter so that people possessing or using marijuana no longer are subject to a misdemeanor offense. Instead, marijuana violations will be civil infractions punishable by a fine of $25 for a first offense, and rising to a maximum of $100 for subsequent offenses.

The charter amendment came before voters because decriminalization advocates collected more than 10,000 signatures to put it on the ballot.

“I don’t think the crime warrants the sentence,” said Matthew Peterson, 30, drinking a Long Island Ice Tea at The Meanwhile bar where DecriminalizeGR advocates gathered. “This (alcoholic beverage) is far more dangerous than marijuana.

“This (vote) is about redefining what the substance means, taking away the stigma. There’s a lot of wasted energy (trying to crack down on marijuana).”

Proposal 2 supporters, including Mayor George Heartwell and three other city commissioners, claim that marijuana decriminalization will free up city police to focus on what they consider more serious crimes. Decriminalization also will keep people from getting a criminal record for what a marijuana violation that Heartwell has called a "youthful indiscretion."

RELATED: Proposal 2 in Grand Rapids: 5 angles on marijuana decriminalization

The Grand Rapids charter amendment borrows language from a 38-year-old decriminalization policy in Ann Arbor, except that sale of marijuana remains a criminal offense.

"It just shows what can happen when a group gets together and pushes for what they believe in," said Michael Tuffelmire, DecriminalizeGR director. "It was time for a change (in city policy on marijuana)."

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Police Chief Kevin Belk and Kent County Prosecutor Bill Forsyth also opposed decriminalization, saying it will complicate law enforcement and lead to increased substance abuse.

“It shouldn’t have been illegal in the first place,” said Andrea Horn, 24. “It’s just got a bad rap. There are too many good people getting punished.”

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