Outdated Marijuana Laws Under Fire In Wisconsin: Bipartisan Lawmakers Propose Decriminalization

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Wisconsin is seeking to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Under the measure from Reps. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers, Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, D-Milwaukee, and Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, the possession of 14 grams of marijuana would be reduced from a misdemeanor to a fine of no less than $100 and no more than $250.

The bill was announced on Friday in a memo. Even though it is likely that Democratic Governor Tony Evers would sign it into law, the support for the policy change from the Republican-led legislature remains questionable, writes Wisconsin State Journal’s Alexander Shur.

According to the bill’s authors, those caught in possession of small amounts of marijuana should not face serious penalties.

“It is time for Wisconsin to join the national discussion,” the authors said, emphasizing North Dakota, New Hampshire, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Nebraska have all embraced cannabis policy changes.

Latest Marijuana Efforts

The latest push from bipartisan lawmakers comes on the heels of Evers taking action to provide relief to 82 more individuals. Last month’s move by the governor brought the total number of pardons granted under his administration to 1,111.

In the meantime, State Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) remains laser-focused on her goal to legalize marijuana statewide.

Agard is circulating an online petition to gather support for a public hearing on updated legislation to legalize recreational marijuana and establish a framework for regulated sales. Together with Rep. Darrin B. Madison, Agard unveiled the measure in September and has since taken it on tour.

Agard is urging Wisconsinites to put more pressure on Republican lawmakers.