INITIATIVE WOULD LEGALIZE MARIJUANA IN DETROIT

Advocate Behind Drive to Legalize Up to Ounce for Own Use

Detroit -- Days after Michigan's no-smoking law went into effect, a
Detroit resident filed a petition to make it legal for Detroiters to
spark up a joint.

On Wednesday, registered medical marijuana user Tim Beck filed a
petition with Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, seeking to legalize
possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana for personal use.

"Some things should no longer be considered a crime, like minor
marijuana possession," said Beck, 58.

"We have to start addressing the massive state budget crisis, the
lack of resources in Detroit and prison overcrowding.

"The money spent prosecuting those (minor marijuana possession) cases
could have been used to fight more serious crimes."

The City Clerk's Office has 10 days to ensure the signatures on
Beck's petition are legitimate. Then the Detroit City Council has up
to 90 days to either vote for the initiative or pass it on to Detroit
voters to decide in the November election.

But the initiative could face opposition.

"We would have to seriously consider the consequences ... the costs
to the city even if there's a potential benefit as far as potential
taxes or revenue," said City Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins. "We have
to weigh that against the secondary cost, in ... additional possible
criminal activities."

Rev. Ronald Griffin, of Detroit's Rose of Sharon Church of God in
Christ and former chairman of the Detroit Police Board of
Commissioners, said he opposes such a measure because he's seen
marijuana lead to other social problems.

"The more things become acceptable, you have a breakdown in every
aspect of society," he said.

Beck said the legalization of a small amount of marijuana for
personal use would have no effect on laws aimed at much more
dangerous drugs such as heroin, crack or crystal meth.

Beck said there are similar laws already in effect in Denver and Seattle.