Judge declines to stop Grand Rapids pot law

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- A judge won't stop a new Grand Rapids law that makes small amounts of marijuana possession a civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor crime. Kent County Judge Paul Sullivan declined to order an injunction last Wednesday. But he cautioned that a challenge to the law still remains pending. Grand Rapids residents in November voted to make possession of small amounts of marijuana a civil infraction. City officials say anyone caught with more than 2.5 ounces will be referred to prosecutors. County Prosecutor Bill Forsyth is challenging the amendment to the Grand Rapids City Charter, saying it would prohibit police from enforcing state law regarding illegal marijuana possession. Published: Mon, Jan 28, 2013