FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 6, 2018

Contact: Violet Cavendish
vcavendish@mpp.org

Statement below from the Marijuana Policy Project, which played a leading role in organizing the campaign in support of Proposal 1, the initiative to regulate marijuana like alcohol approved last month by 56 percent of Michigan voters

Marijuana became legal for adults in Michigan today when Proposal 1 officially took effect. The initiative was approved by 56 percent of voters in the November midterm election.

Proposal 1 allows adults 21 and older to possess and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, including up to 15 grams in the form of marijuana concentrate. It also allows them to grow up to 12 marijuana plants and possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana in their residence, as well as any marijuana that was grown on the premises. State officials are in the process of establishing a regulated system of commercial marijuana cultivation and sales, which is expected to commence in 2020.

Michigan will be the 10th state in which marijuana possession is legal for adults 21 and older. It is the ninth state to authorize a system for regulating commercial marijuana cultivation and sales for adult use. Marijuana possession is also legal for adults in the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territory of the Northern Mariana Islands enacted a law in September to legalize and regulate marijuana for adult use.

Statement from MPP Deputy Director Matthew Schweich, who served as campaign director for the Yes on 1 campaign:

"Michigan is the first state in the Midwest where adults will no longer be punished for possessing or growing small amounts of marijuana. This is a substance that is objectively less harmful than alcohol to the consumer and to society, and it's finally going to be treated that way. In addition to ending the needless arrest and prosecution of thousands of adult consumers, this will allow law enforcement officials to spend more of their time and attention on serious crimes.

"When it comes to marijuana policy in America, Michigan is ahead of the curve. It will serve as a strong example for the many other states that are currently considering similar reforms. State officials are in the process of creating the region's first regulated marijuana market for adults, which will be the nail in the coffin for marijuana prohibition."

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Founded in 1995, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is the nation’s leading cannabis policy reform organization. MPP has played a central role in passing dozens of cannabis policy reforms in states across the country, including 14 successful cannabis legalization campaigns, and also works to advance federal reforms.

Visit www.mpp.org for more information.