Ann Arbor, Mich., Voters Approve Medical Marijuana Measure November 5, 2004
News Summary
By a 3-to-1 margin, voters in Ann Arbor, Mich., approved a ballot initiative that would allow residents to use marijuana when recommended by a physician for medical purposes. However, the victory could be short-lived, because the measure conflicts with state law, the Ann Arbor News reported Nov. 3.Under Proposal C, the city would amend its charter to include an option not to prosecute individuals who use marijuana for medical reasons. However, the amended charter would then conflict with state law. As a result, the issue could end up in court at the city's expense.
In a September letter to the city, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm stated that she disapproved of the proposed amendment to the Ann Arbor City Charter.
City Council Member Mike Reid (R-2nd Ward), who was reluctant to put the initiative on the ballot because of the conflict with state law, said voters have sent a clear message that the state should recognize.
"They are willing to take the tax dollars that hard-working Ann Arbor people give them and waste it by harassing sick people," Ream said of state officials. "This is not what the voters just indicated. If this is not a clear statement, then what could be?"
He added, "The people of Ann Arbor have made a moral judgment. It is the judgment that the medicine is obviously good and people need help when they need it."
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