Kent initiative to decriminalize recreational marijuana use fails by four signatures

Sensible Movement Coalition founder Bill Schmitt (right) and Kent resident Ferris Bintz worked with the CannaBus at the Kent Blues Fest to build momentum toward decriminalization. Submitted photo

Kent initiative to decriminalize recreational marijuana use fails by four signatures

- Wendy DiAlesandro

A ballot initiative to decriminalize up to 200 grams (7.05 oz) of marjuana in the city of Kent failed by four signatures, the Portage County Board of Elections determined on Sept. 8.

In order for the initiative to appear on the November ballot, Franklin Township resident Mike Fricke and his five team members needed to gather 806 valid signatures: registered voters who live in Kent and whose address matches the address on file. They got 802, said Terrie Nielsen, deputy director of the Portage County Board of Elections.

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