Initiative Proponents Sue City of Salem, West Virginia, for Removing Initiative to Decriminalize Marijuana Inside City

On April 10, the proponents of a city initiative to decriminalize marijuana inside the city of Salem, West Virginia, filed a federal lawsuit against the city. Even though the initiative had enough valid signatures, the city removed it because city officials felt if the initiative passed, it would not be a valid law because marijuana possession is illegal in West Virginia. The case is Hyman v City of Salem, n.d., 1:19cv-75.

West Virginia does not have the statewide initiative process, but some cities have city initiatives. The Salem initiative requirement is very difficult. It took the signatures of 10% of the registered voters, but the petition was checked and it does have enough valid signatures. The lawsuit was filed only two days after the city rejected the initiative. The election is June 4, 2019, so this case will move rapidly. It is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Kleeh, a Trump appointee.


Comments

Initiative Proponents Sue City of Salem, West Virginia, for Removing Initiative to Decriminalize Marijuana Inside City — 3 Comments

  1. How many of these illegal local machinations vs state LAWS ???

    — akin to illegal state laws vs state consts.

  2. i hope they win, the officials and legislators of this state need to realize they are PUBLIC SERVANTS not the fucking bosses of how things are ran. they are to listen to their VOTERS and do what WE want not what THEY THINK is best based on their personal opinions. i hope they win and send a clear message to the state that we will not tolerate officals who think they are dictators and not public servants

  3. The Sensible Movement Coalition has had to sue many municipalities in the past for this and has won every time! This time will be no different ! The people’s voices always prevail! Or certain politicians don’t get re elected!

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