MICHIGAN:  Michigan would legalize the use of marijuana for recreational use under two proposed initiatives for which advocates will soon begin collecting voter signatures.

The Board of State Canvassers approved the form of the petitions on Thursday. Two advocacy groups need about 253,000 valid signatures each to put the bills before the Republican-led Legislature.

The measures would receive statewide votes in November 2016 if lawmakers do not act.

One initiative is being led by traditional marijuana activists. The other has backing from a Republican political operative working on the behalf of anonymous business interests.