Over the years, there has been a lot of talk regarding the use and possession of marijuana. Some states have moved to legalize marijuana, while others have decriminalized it. Some states still continue to prosecute all marijuana possession and related drug charges, including Wisconsin.
Wisconsin residents may be interested to learn that the passage of a new bill introduced to the state legislature would allow the use of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal purposes. This could significantly reduce the number of arrests, charges and convictions in regards to marijuana possession. One representative who is for this new bill says that she believes that the legalization of marijuana could create jobs and help reduce crime. She also believes communities would be safer if marijuana was legalized, as its decriminalization would give authorities more time to focus on more grave issues, such as domestic violence.
If this bill passes, it would allow Wisconsin residents to grow up to 12 marijuana plants of their own. Individuals 21 years of age and older would be allowed to have as much as a quarter of an ounce of marijuana for personal use. At this time, there are 20 states that permit marijuana for medicinal purposes and only four for recreational use. Wisconsin hopes to be added into the mix, and many Wisconsin residents support the measure.
Until marijuana is legalized, Wisconsin residents who are facing marijuana-related drug charges need to remember that the consequences of convictions can be serious and sometimes life-changing. Possible penalties range from fines to time behind bars. One of the first steps in trying to avoid a conviction is understanding one’s rights and ensuring that those rights are fully protected throughout the criminal proceedings.
Source: wrn.com, “New bill would fully legalize marijuana in Wisconsin“, Jackie Johnson, April 13, 2015