With Pot Decriminalization on the Ballot, Detroit Ponders Enforcement

Cops have threatened to continue arrests under state and federal law

A proposal that will appear on Detroit ballots Tuesday could partially decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. But how it would affect policing in the city is still up for debate.

Proposal M would amend a 1984 Detroit city ordinance in order to exempt adults over the age of 21 from being prosecuted for the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana on private property.

In June former Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee—who resigned last month due to a sex scandal—said even if the measure passed the department might continue to enforce existing state and federal laws outlawing marijuana possession.