AG Schuette opposes bill to decriminalize pot
Rep. Jeff Irwin
D-Ann
Arbor introduced bill to decriminalize marijuana
Jeff Irwin, D-Ann
Arbor introduced a new bill to decriminalize marijuana; with the backing of two
Republicans.”Despite the fact that we’re spending a minimum of $325 million a
year on arresting, trying and incarcerating marijuana users in this state, we know
marijuana has never been more available,” Irwin said in a story by Mlive. “We
know that law enforcement has not been successful at keeping marijuana out of
the hands of anyone in this state.”
House
Bill 4623
House Bill 4623 would make possession of up to an ounce
of marijuana a civil infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $25 for a
first offense rather than a misdemeanor. Irwin’s hometown of Ann Arbor is known
for its relaxed policy on marijuana.
AG
Schuette opposed to legislation
Attorney General Bill Schuette was opposed to the
legislation. “We should not go down this road of legalizing drugs,” Schuette
told Lansing television station WILX. “It exposes young kids, children to ever
more potent drug use, and I think that’s not good for the in the future.”
Irwin
gets support
Irwin was joined by Reps. Mike Callton, R-Nashville; Rose
Mary Robinson, D-Detroit; Phil Cavanagh, D-Redford Township; Mike Shirkey,
R-Clarklake; Jon M. Switalski, D-Warren; and Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon.
Mike
Shirkey comments
“We’re using a lot of money, energy and resources in
Michigan and across the nation to accomplish something we’ve failed at,”
Shirkey told Mlive. If government has a primary role, it is to protect people’s
freedom. That doesn’t mean we have unfettered freedom…but the best government,
by and large, is a smaller, less restraining government.”
Minor
and adult possession
Mr. Shirkey expressed concern that the bill did not
address the difference between minor and adult possession, which he would like
to see changed. Spokesperson Ari Adler told Mlive that House Speaker Jase
Bolger, R Marshall, will not “close the door” on the discussion but indicated
that lawmakers have more immediate priorities.
HB4623
HB 4623 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee
where it may never see the light of day.
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