Michigan marked the beginning of legal, recreational marijuana last week and is the first state in the Midwest to allow marijuana for more than medical purposes.
Retail shops are still months away and must involve state regulators, but the St. Joseph County prosecutor’s office has announced it is ready to dismiss possession cases.
Residents 21 years of age and older can possess or transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants out of public view. It can be consumed only at homes or other private property, though landlords and employers have the option of prohibiting it.
St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said his office plans on dismissing any open marijuana cases.
McDonough said he and staff are working their way through the various cases. They have sent emails to attorneys, asking if they have any open cases to bring to their attention.