BATTLE CREEK (WKZO AM/FM) — Voters may have approved recreational marijuana. Battle Creek City officials haven’t taken a position on allowing businesses in, but they have issued a friendly warning that there are still rules, limits and laws that if violated could mean stiff fines and even jail, and there still will be even after the new law takes effect.
The State Board of Canvassers will meet Monday to certify the vote, and then 10-days after that, the portions of the voter initiative that do not require state licensure will take effect.
After that, residents over 21 will be permitted to have up to 2-1/2 ounces on their person and up to 10 ounces at home. Residents will also be allowed to cultivate up to 12 plants.
That may be the only legal way to obtain it for now because sales will continue to be illegal until the state can set up the rules for dispensaries and growing operations.
Anyone caught smoking in public or driving under the influence of marijuana could also be subject to citations, and possibly arrest.
Grand Haven has gone in another direction. Voters in that community overwhelmingly rejected Proposal 1 and so the city fathers have decided to opt out on supporting any local businesses that would sell grass.
They can ban sales, but not use. Anyone over 21 will still be still allowed to grow their own, whether they opt out of allowing local businesses or not.
