Flint Library to Host Marijuana Decriminalization Proponents for Community Talk

It seems like most people support the idea of marijuana being legal and now those who hold that opinion will have an opportunity for their voice to be heard in a public forum.  Check out the details on how you can be a part.

The Coalition for a Safer Flint has worked to get marijuana decriminalization on the November ballot and now they will host a public forum and guest speaker at the Flint Public Library.

Joe White, of Detroit, will be the special guest speaker and will be discussing a new book by Michelle Alexander, 'The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color Blindness.'  The discussion will take place from 6 to 7:30 pm this Thursday the 18th and community members with on either side of the issue are encouraged to attend.

The Coalition for a Safer Flint spokesperson Brian Morrissey claims it's time for Flint to reconsider using it's police force for marijuana arrests when so many serious crimes are taking place in the city.  “Marijuana prohibition is causing a gross misallocation of police resources.  Flint police especially do not have the man power to go after every marijuana user and every time they focus on a marijuana offense there is another homicide or rape case going unsolved."

Flint voters will have a chance for their voice to be heard on the issue this November.  Emergency Financial Manager Ed Kurtz approved the issue to the ballot in late August, under powers given to him by the state.

Currently, marijuana possession is a misdemeanor which can lead to a 90 day jail sentence and up to $500 in fines.    If decriminalized, adults over the age of 19 would be able to posses up to one ounce of marijuana on private property and not have to worry about city police.  State troopers within the city would still be able to arrest citizens for possession, regardless of how the vote goes.

Source: MLive