Sheriff discusses pot enforcement near Michigan’s UP border

dwkl · December 11, 2023

What is Wisconsin best known for?

Wisconsin, known as “America’s Dairyland,” holds a prominent position as one of the nation’s leading dairy producers. Recognized for its remarkable cheese, the state is equally renowned for its beer, with Milwaukee standing historically as a notable hub. Notably, Miller Brewing Company has its headquarters in this beer-rich city.

What is the downside of living in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin residents face the formidable challenges of enduring the state’s long and unforgiving winters. Spanning from November to March, these winters are characterized by heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and relentless winds.

And then there is this from MLive

Wisconsin Marijuana Arrests

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Wisconsin	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Possession	17,391	14,619	11,062	9,055	12,408
Sales	1,817	1,287	1,135	702	764
Total	19,208	15,906	12,197	9,757	13,172
MJ Arrests	61%	21%	55%	50%	55.25%
Agencies	96%	94%	85%	60%	N/A

Notice agencies reporting dropping which will drop the actual numbers.

Row 5 provides information on the percentage of state law enforcement agencies that reported arrest data for any given year.

Instances where fewer than 10 percent of agencies reported arrest data, or where the marijuana-related arrest data is far too limited to draw any conclusions are marked N/A.

Wisconsin Marijuana Arrests

Source: https://norml.org/marijuana/library/state-marijuana-arrests/wisconsin-marijuana-arrests/

Wisconsin Laws and Penalties

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Offense	Penalty	Incarceration	Max. Fine
Possession
Any amount (first offense)	Misdemeanor	6 months	$ 1,000
Any amount (subsequent offense)	Felony	3.5 years	$ 10,000

There’s more information here….

Wisconsin Laws and Penalties

Source: https://norml.org/laws/wisconsin-penalties-2/

Question: “What is the status of the medical marijuana bills?”

Gov. Tony Evers has consistently included proposals to legalize marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes in all three of his budget plans. However, each time, some lawmakers have made cuts to these provisions during the budget writing process. This ongoing pattern underscores the challenges and debates surrounding the issue of marijuana legalization in our state.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Wisconsinites show strong support for the legalization of marijuana, as highlighted by a recent October 2022 poll conducted by Marquette University Law School.

This significant statistic underscores the shifting attitudes towards cannabis in the state, fostering a growing conversation surrounding its potential benefits and the need for updated legislation.

Evers frequently highlights this strong public support as proof that Wisconsin residents would back his proposal to legalize marijuana and apply taxes to it, mirroring the state’s approach to alcohol.

Here is the proposed text of the bill (October 18, 2023)