Legislators in Wisconsin’s House and Senate have filed two bills to legalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana and the cultivation of two plants.
The companion bills were filed by Representative Mandela Barnes (D.-Milwaukee) and Senator Chris Larson (D.-Milwaukee). Under the proposed legislation, individuals possessing less than 25 grams of marijuana would not be subject to criminal penalties. The personal cultivation of up to two plants would also be legal, although distribution would remain illegal, thus foregoing the possibility of a retail cannabis industry.
Currently, the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana in Wisconsin can bring with it a misdemeanor and up to six months in jail. Repeat offenses carry with them a felony and up to three and a half years in prison. Those found guilty of cultivating two marijuana plants would be subject to a felony and up to six years in prison.
The bill would also modify the procedures for weighing cannabis infused products. Currently, the entire weight of the product is considered during sentencing; under the new law, only the weight of the cannabis would be considered.
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Photo Credit: Paul Sableman