Possession under current law can lead to a felony charge, a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months incarceration.
“Simple possession of small amounts of marijuana should not result in one being sent to prison and risking their chances of employment for the rest of their life,” said Sortwell.
The bill also limits the liability of an employer who does not require an employee or prospective employee to take a drug test for cannabis as a condition of employment.
“Legalizing and taxing marijuana in Wisconsin,” said Evers, “just like we already do with alcohol, ensures a controlled market and safe product are available for both recreational and medicinal users and can open the door for countless opportunities for us to reinvest in our communities and create a more equitable state.” A Badger State cannabis market could have potentially brought $165 million in additional tax revenue.
Felzkowski’s bill requires the cannabis to be in the form of a liquid, oil, pill or tincture.
Prior fines in Milwaukee County were set to not less than $250 and not more than $500. In 2019, according to a Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors press release, 187 citations for possession were issued in the county.
Although some local municipalities have reduced their fines, others remain committed to a continued drug war against cannabis.
James stated the bill was crafted by the West Central Drug Task Force, composed of law enforcement representatives from the Mississippi River to the middle of Wisconsin.
Holmes’ video work dates back to his high school days at Wauwatosa East High, when he made a documentary about the local police department.
In Wisconsin’s great progressive tradition, we aim to hold the powerful accountable to the people, follow the money, and dig out the truth.