GR Won't Implement The Decriminalization Of Marijuana (Wood)

The City of Grand Rapids will not put an ordinance decriminalizing marijuana into effect, even after a Kent County judge lifted an injunction and gave the city the go-ahead.

City Manager Greg Sundstrom Tuesday evening said the city will not implement an ordinance that would make getting caught with marijuana a civil infraction rather than a crime.

The ordinance has been at the center of controversy since voters passed it in November 2012. In December, Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth asked for and was granted a restraining order against the amended ordinance, calling it unconstitutional. He filed suit to get it off the books.

Last month, a Kent County judge lifted that order, giving the city the green light to implement the ordinance, at least until the court makes a final ruling on the suit.

But Sundstrom said the city will wait for a final decision before it moves forward because the case is still in court.

Sundstrom says he expects the court to deliver that final decision in April.

WoodTV