Kalamazoo votes for relaxed marijuana enforcement

KALAMAZOO (AP) -- Kalamazoo voters have overwhelmingly approved a proposal to write a relaxed attitude toward marijuana use into the City Charter of the western Michigan community. The proposal on Tuesday's ballot directs police to make enforcement of laws against possession of small amounts of marijuana a low priority. Supporters gathered about 2,600 signatures in order to win a spot for the charter amendment on the ballot. With all precincts counted, 4,649 people voted yes and 2,416 voted no. That's 66 percent in favor to 34 percent against. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has said he opposes the measure, as have several Kalamazoo City Commission candidates. Others say they backed the measure, and police say small marijuana cases are a low priority for officers already. Published: Thu, Nov 10, 2011