Libertarian Party of Wisconsin Responds to Janesville Cannabis Prosecution Carrying Potentially More Than a Century in Prison

The Libertarian Party of Wisconsin is calling renewed attention to Wisconsin’s outdated cannabis laws following reports that Janesville hemp-derived THC merchant Jerry McCoy faces 13 criminal counts and potentially more than 130 years in prison in connection with the alleged sale and distribution of cannabis products.

Whatever the ultimate facts of this individual case, the possibility of spending decades—or even the remainder of a person’s life, in prison for nonviolent cannabis offenses demonstrates just how disconnected Wisconsin law has become from the people it is supposed to serve.

Wisconsin remains surrounded by states that have moved toward legal cannabis in some form, while Wisconsin residents continue to face arrest, prosecution, incarceration, and permanent criminal records for conduct that may be perfectly legal after crossing a state line.

This is not a rational drug policy.

Wisconsin voters have repeatedly demonstrated support for cannabis reform through public polling and local advisory referendums. Yet state government continues to treat cannabis consumers and businesses as criminals rather than finally establishing a legal, transparent marketplace.

“The idea that someone could potentially face more than a century behind bars over cannabis should make every Wisconsinite question what we are accomplishing,” said LPWI Chair Reese Wood. “Government should exist to protect people from those who harm others, not destroy lives over a substance that millions of Americans can legally purchase elsewhere in this country.”

The Libertarian Party of Wisconsin supports ending cannabis prohibition and replacing criminalization with policies that respect individual liberty, property rights, personal responsibility, and due process.

Wisconsin does not need more cannabis arrests.

It needs lawmakers willing to admit that prohibition has failed.

The Libertarian Party of Wisconsin advocates for individual liberty, limited government, free markets, civil liberties, and peaceful solutions to political and social problems.

For more information or to become involved, contact the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin at press@lpwi.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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