Ending cannabis prohibition has been a hot topic for years. Wisconsin might have a way to make that dream come true.
Per HERB
Wisconsin, like many other states, is moving towards legalizing marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use. But Wisconsin is doing legalization its own way – through the Legislature.
The state of Wisconsin introduced a bill last week that would effectively nullify the federal prohibition of marijuana in the state, and, according to the 10th Amendment Center,
Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) and 17 co-sponsors introduced Assembly Bill 482 (AB 482) on Aug. 24. The legislation would legalize marijuana under a tax-and-regulate system enforced at the state level similar to alcohol.
Under the proposed law, a Wisconsin resident who is at least 21 could legally possess no more than two ounces of marijuana and a nonresident of Wisconsin who is at least 21 could possess no more than one-quarter ounce of marijuana.
The legislation would also create a licensing structure for the cultivation, processing and sale of marijuana. Additionally, the bill would create a process for medical marijuana use.
But the bill is about much more than just legalizing cannabis, according to Rep. Sargent. “It’s about legalizing opportunity and prosperity,” she said.
The state budget was due two weeks ago, and Wisconsin simply can’t afford to wait any longer. We deserve a real plan to create new jobs and stimulate our lagging economy, and that’s what this bill is.
If it passes, the legislation would make Wisconsin the first state to legalize marijuana through a state legislative process, rather than at the ballot box.
While federal prohibition would remain on the books, law enforcement makes about 99 of every 100 marijuana arrests under state, not federal law, according to FBI numbers. Ending the state prohibition on cannabis, therefore, would eliminate most pot arrests in the state.
Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, California, Nevada, Maine and Massachusetts voters legalized marijuana through successful ballot initiatives. That’s why Wisconsin, if it legalizes through the legislative process, would be “blazing” new ground.
Currently, AB 482 is in the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. The legislation will need to pass by a majority vote before it can be considered by the full State Assembly.
