GRASS LAKE, MI - The debate is ripe.

State Rep. Mike Shirkey says now is the time to debate the pros and cons of decriminalizing small amounts of medical marijuana in the state. He is hosting a town-hall event in an effort to talk to the public on drug enforcement strategies and policy.

The timing couldn't be better.

On July 30, a group of medical marijuana advocates petitioned the city to decriminalize marijuana. More than 550 Jackson residents signed the petition calling for a law that allows city residents 21 and older to possess 1 ounce of marijuana or less.

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