GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The city of Grand Rapids’ marijuana ordinance, approved by voters, is set to take effect Wednesday, May 1st.
Under the ordinance, a person caught with marijuana in their possession will be given a civil infraction ticket instead of jail time.
The ordinance’s implementation has been delayed by a lawsuit involving Kent County.
The city manager’s office issued the following information Tuesday:
“The Grand Rapids City Commission is committed to implementing the City Charter amendment approved by voters to permit issuance of civil infractions for certain marijuana offenses.
At the April 24, 2013, Circuit Court hearing, Judge Paul Sullivan reported that he anticipated issuing a decision on the case within two weeks. The City awaits a court ruling.
Keeping with the May 1, 2013 start date committed to in March, the City Manager has issued an Executive Order directing the Grand Rapids Police Department to begin issuing civil infraction tickets for minor marijuana offenses. The City Manager’s Executive Order 2013-01, effective Wednesday, May 1, 2013, describes the conditions under which a municipal civil infraction ticket will be issued.”
