A local advocate for legalization of marijuana use is circulating an initiative ballot petition that would eliminate city fines and penalties for possessing less than 200 grams of marijuana, 10 grams of hash or two grams of hashish oil.
Jack Havens, who lives in Bellefontaine, hopes to collect signatures from enough registered voters to put the issue before city voters in November.
Essentially, his initiative would make possession and use of marijuana legal in Bellefontaine within certain limits.
Havens has spoken before the Bellefontaine City Council on several occasions encouraging members to pass legislation allowing medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, and most recently decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.
He can be reached at (937) 539- 1713.
City council members will have a hearing at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 regarding a change to the city zoning code that would allow dispensaries in B-3 (retail shopping) districts.