GR plans for decrim'd pot revealed

County sued city over voter-passed amendment

If a charter amendment decriminalizing marijuana in Grand Rapids is upheld after a court challenge, court documents obtained by 24 Hour News 8 spell out how the city would implement those rules.

In the documents, City Manager Greg Sundstrom said police would have to turn over cases to the prosecutor if someone had more than 2.5 ounces of pot, or was found with pot while committing another crime.

Prosecutors would also get cases involving possession with intent to distribute marijuana and for maintaining a drug house. The prosecutor could also be given cases if a person had four or more drug convictions.

Outside of these circumstances, pot possession would result in a ticket being issued.

In November, 59% of voters approved the amendment, making simple possession of pot a civil infraction. On Dec. 3, the Kent County prosecutor sued the City of Grand Rapids, saying a recently passed ordinance that decriminalized marijuana conflicts with state law.

A court hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for next week.

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