Judge Allows Michigan City Pot Decriminalization to Take Effect

Grand Rapids voters chose to make marijuana possession and use a civil infraction

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)—A Kent County judge says a Grand Rapids marijuana charter amendment can take effect.

The ruling was published late Wednesday morning. Judge Paul Sullivan said he will allow the City of Grand Rapids to change the way it handles marijuana offenses.

City voters passed the measure in November 2012, making possession and use of marijuana a civil infraction, punishable by a ticket and fine.

The Kent County prosecutor filed a lawsuit in December 2012, saying the charter amendment violated state law and prevented him from prosecuting marijuana cases.