Election 2013: Cities Vote to Legalize Cannabis

Citizens who walked into polling booths yesterday sent a strong message to state and federal government, voting overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing recreational cannabis at the local level.

Portland, Maine, the largest city in the state, voted 67 percent in favor of allowing the possession of up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis by those 21 and older. Three Michigan cities, Lansing, Ferndale and Jackson, also voted to allow for the use and/or possession of up to an ounce of cannabis by those over 21 on private property. In Lansing support was at 61 percent in favor, with Ferndale voting 69 percent in favor and Jackson 61 percent in favor.

The Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project worked with the Portland Independent Green Committee to pass the city’s ordinance.

“Most Portlanders, like most Americans, are fed up with our nation’s failed marijuana prohibition laws,” MMP Maine Political Director David Boyer said. “We applaud Portland voters for adopting a smarter marijuana policy, and we look forward to working with city officials to ensure it is implemented.

“Law enforcement officials’ time and resources would be better spent addressing serious crimes instead of punishing adults for using a less harmful substance than alcohol. The city has the ability to stop the arrests and prosecutions, and we hope they will do so immediately and respect the will of the voters.”

Tell us in the comments below if you’d vote yes to legalize cannabis.