The Grand Rapids Police Department says it plans to enforce current state law when it comes to illegal marijuana possession, despite proposal two's passage.
Tuesday night, Grand Rapids voters passed proposal two, which changes how illegal marijuana possession is punished.
It will soon be a civil infraction instead of a criminal misdemeaner. The change in punishment makes it similar to a speed ticket, including a fine. Violators avoid a criminal record.
It's a change to the city charter that leaves grey areas for police and enforcement.
In a statement Police Chief Kevin Belk said, "The City Attorney has advised the police department that election results are not final until the Board of Canvassers has certified those election results."
"Until further direction from the City Attorney or City Manager is received, the police department will continue to enforce the state law," the statement ended.
City commissioner Elias Lumpkins said, "[The city attorney] and her staff will probably develop a city ordinance and there will be steps or processes for implementing it."
He continued, "How do you inform the public about? That will probably then go before the public, public hearing where people from the community will then be able to share there concerns about it and give input for that matter."
