Risser Calls for Decriminalizing Marijuana
Wisconsin marijuana laws have a disproportionately negative effect on communities of color.
Madison – Today Senator Risser, along with Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and Representatives Shelia Stubbs, David Crowley and Dave Considine introduced legislation that would decriminalize 28 grams or less of marijuana in the state of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin marijuana laws have a disproportionately negative effect on communities of color. A 2018 study by the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism found that between 2014-2018 Black residents were four times more likely and Native American residents three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white residents.
While the Black and Native American population collectively comprise only seven percent of the state population, they comprise over 40 percent of the state’s prison population.
“I believe it is important to emphasize the distinction between decriminalization and legalization,” said Risser. “Decriminalizing marijuana simply means we are asking law enforcement to stop arresting folks for having small amounts of marijuana. For context, 28 grams of marijuana is two tablespoons. Under this bill, the manufacture and sale of the drug itself would remain illegal.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Legalizing of Marijuana
- A Better Wisconsin Together Renews Call for Cannabis Legalization - A Better Wisconsin Together - Apr 20th, 2024
- Republicans’ Medical Marijuana Bill Is Likely Dead - Baylor Spears - Feb 18th, 2024
- The State of Politics: Why GOP Divided on Medical Marijuana - Steven Walters - Jan 15th, 2024
- Bill Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession Under 14 Grams - Rich Kremer - Jan 15th, 2024
- GOP Proposal Supports Small, State-Run Medical Marijuana Program - Anya van Wagtendonk - Jan 8th, 2024
- Senate Democratic Leader Reacts to Republican Medical Marijuana Proposal - Dianne Hesselbein - Jan 8th, 2024
- Democrats Push Again to Legalize Marijuana - Erik Gunn - Sep 25th, 2023
- Senator Agard: Response to Speaker Vos’ Medical Marijuana Comments - State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader - Apr 20th, 2023
- State Residents Paid $36 Million in Illinois Marijuana Taxes in 2022 - Isiah Holmes - Mar 20th, 2023
- Wisconsinites Paid over $36 Million in Taxes to Illinois on Cannabis Purchases - State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader - Mar 16th, 2023
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