Marijuana Possession Decriminalization Bill Filed by Wisconsin Lawmakers

• Up To 28 Grams of Marijuana in Possession Would Be Decriminalized With the New Legislation.
• Rep. David Crowley, one of the sponsors of the bill, stated that these possession laws contribute to the “racially inequitable criminal justice system.”

Wisconsin has consistently positioned itself as an innovator, and the marijuana industry is no different. However, now, lawmakers in the state are pushing for a big change – the decriminalization of marijuana possession.

This legislation was brought to the table by Reps. David Crowley and Shelia Stubbs, and it would allow for up to 28 grams to be possessed, which is equivalent to about an ounce. Presently, anyone caught with marijuana is risking up to six months in jail and may be subjected to a $1,000 fine.

In a press release, Crowley stated,

“The weaponization of drug possession laws, particularly marijuana, has been the driver of the state of ramped mass incarceration in which we find ourselves. This bill should have been passed years ago – Wisconsin is now an island of antiquated drug policy in a sea of decriminalization.”

Crowley also took to Twitter to voice his concerns.

By any standard WI continues to be the worst state in the nation to be a black man and our current criminal justice system is one of the biggest reasons why.

6% Wisconsin Black Population
40% of Wisconsin Prison Population#EndMassIncarceration

— David C. Crowley (@DavidCrowleyWI) October 30, 2019

He added that the presence of criminalization laws creates circumstances that “feed mass incarceration,” noting that he’s seen the impact of these laws within the “unjust and racially inequitable criminal justice system.”

I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of our unjust and racially disproportionate justice system. A generation of men & women have already been lost to the war on drugs & mass incarceration, how many more must be lost before we have the courage to do something?

— David C. Crowley (@DavidCrowleyWI) October 30, 2019

Within the legislation, provisions are already outlined to describe the way to expunge or even dismissal of prior convictions. A press conference to announce the legislation by the sponsors was held on Wednesday. The sponsors appeared alongside Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who voiced their support for these changes.

Simple marijuana possession and/or use is not a reason for anyone to serve a prison sentence, lose out on a job, nor lose their voting rights. Today, I stood with @RepStubbs and lawmakers who introduced new legislation to decriminalize marijuana possession in Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/CXiqX7l7r0

— Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (@LGMandelaBarnes) October 30, 2019

One of the other speakers at the event was Sen. Fred Risser, who said that he felt that there’s a need to differentiate between being legal and being decriminalized. He said,

“Decriminalizing marijuana simply means we are asking law enforcement to stop arresting folks for having small amounts of marijuana,” he said. “Under this bill, the manufacture and sale of the drug itself would remain illegal.”

Considering that Gov. Tony Evers recently called to decriminalize low-level possession, while pushing for legalization, it would make sense that he’s supportive of the bill. However, it seems that the reform provisions for marijuana may not be included, if Republicans have anything to do with it.

The Republican-controlled Senate and Assembly will likely provide some resistance to supporters as the bill progresses. After the announcement, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald stated,

“I’ve long been an opponent to any type of marijuana legalization and doubt that any proposals currently being floated will gain support from Republicans in the Senate.”

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is also opposed to decriminalization, according to a spokesperson for the politician.

Spokeswoman for @SpeakerVos:

"There isn’t support for marijuana decriminalization in the Assembly Republican caucus and Speaker Vos remains opposed to it."

— Scott Bauer (@sbauerAP) October 30, 2019

Though there appears to be some possibility of change, it is clear that the residents of Wisconsin are ready. There are already three jurisdictions in the state that have voiced support for both recreational and medical marijuana to be legalized this year, following the ballot measures in 16 counties in November in favor of cannabis.