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DETROIT (AP) – Michigan breaks through this week as the first Midwestern state to allow marijuana for non-medical purposes.
In the November 6 election, voters widely approved the recreational use of adults who are at least 21 years old. The move comes 10 years after voters approved marijuana to ease the effects of some diseases. Many supporters believe that the experience gained for decades, as well as similar legalization efforts in other states, led to victory at the polls.
"This will definitely feel the freedom," said Detroit lawyer Matt Abel, who specializes in marijuana law and whose sign says "cannabis lawyer."
Eleven states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes. Of course, there are many warnings in Michigan and already tensions.
Michigan residents aged 21 or older may own or transport up to 2.5 ounces (70.8 grams) of marijuana. They can grow up to 12 plants, but not in public view. They may also donate 2.5 ounces (70.8 grams) to another person, but not for a fee.
Marijuana can only be used in homes or other private property, although owners and employers may prohibit it. It can not be smoked in bars, restaurants or any other place accessible to the public. This means that standing while walking your dog or jostling between college classes could cause trouble.
Michigan universities and colleges have repeatedly stated that campus drug policies would not change. Employers will still be able to fire people for drug use.
The doors are not yet open. The new law creates a system for growing and selling marijuana, with millions of dollars to collect in taxes, but these stores still need resources and must involve state control authorities. So, people who want marijuana now will have to grow it or obtain it in other ways, perhaps illegal.
Michigan is just starting to license marijuana clinics for medical purposes. Abel hopes that elected governor Gretchen Whitmer is considering allowing them to sell marijuana for recreational purposes to meet the demand.
"The sooner they will allow retail stores, the sooner the state will raise revenue," he says.
Where people live, buying marijuana will not be as easy as buying bread. Elected officials from some communities have already voted in favor of banning the sale of pots, long before the rules are in place. A local veto is available under the law. Local governments can also review their policies later.
Communities that block marijuana companies lose the opportunity to collect a portion of a 10% tax. But St. Joseph Mayor Mike Garey predicts: "It will not be the golden pot at the end of the rainbow." St. Joseph is absent for the moment.
After the elections, some prosecutors announced that they would dismiss any outstanding decision. crime cases involving small amounts of marijuana that will now be legal.
"People have spoken," said Kent County District Attorney Chris Becker.
Removal of previous convictions is also contemplated in some counties. Federal law still prohibits marijuana, although Michigan state prosecutors say they usually sue major drug traffickers, not "low-level offenders".
Lieutenant Mike Shaw, spokesman for the state police, says that it's still forbidden to drive under the influence of marijuana. "This law is not going to change that," he explains.
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