Marijuana Decriminalization Bill With Bipartisan Support Introduced In Wyoming House

Wyoming State Representative Karlee Provenza (D) introduced the bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis.

House Bill 204, which has bipartisan support, would decriminalize the possession of up to three ounces of marijuana and impose a fine of no more than $100. Under the current state law, possession of fewer than three ounces of cannabis carries a misdemeanor charge, a year in jail or a $1,000 fine.

Wyoming is one of only 12 states that have not legalized medical marijuana. Only CBD oil is available at dispensaries and other shops including vape stores, pharmacies and other health stores across the state.

The bill also proposes that anyone who possesses more than three ounces of cannabis can be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months behind bars and a $1,000 fine, which is significantly lower than the current felony classification which carries the threat of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, writes Bnn Breaking.

"My personal view is that we should have full legalization, but trying to meet people where they're at right now," Provezna said of the bill, writes CowboyStateDaily.

"Who am I, as the government, to tell a veteran with PTSD they can't use cannabis in their own home medicinally if it's not impacting anybody else?" she said. "I think that is a grave misstep of government that we continue to do that."

Sen. Eric Barlow (R) said the new bill is not likely to become law because of the short length of the budget session. “Just the bar of two-thirds in time,” Barlow said. “This is a big issue. It’s a big issue that should actually go through an interim (session), be vetted out and understand the consequences.”

Republicans, including state Sen. Cale Case and Rep. Jared Olsen, co-sponsored the measure and one other says he'll consider supporting the bill. "I think the people deserve to have the conversation in the Committee of the Whole," Rep. Daniel Singh (R) said.

Despite bipartisan support, the bill's chances might be slim as it was introduced during a non-budget year.

As many as 54% of Wyoming residents support legalizing cannabis possession and 75% were in favor of decriminalization, a 2020 survey revealed. 

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