State bill would erase city’s move to decriminalize marijuana possession, increase minimum penalty to $100
Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
A proposed bill in the state Legislature would create a minimum penalty of $100 for getting caught with half an ounce of marijuana or less – essentially erasing Milwaukee’s ordinance that sets fines of $0 to $50 for those receiving first-time tickets for possession.
This would make things much worse here in Milwaukee – a diverse community where the numbers show huge historical disparities in the fines, charges and incarceration rates for black and brown people for possessing marijuana.
One of the primary intentions of the 2015 ordinance was to bring the penalty down low enough where it would not be worth writing a ticket for possession. According to data from the Municipal Court, that’s exactly what has happened:
- In 2010, there were 384 juvenile marijuana possession charges in the city, and by 2021 (through Oct. 31) that number had dropped 95% to 19 charges.
- In 2010, there were 2,286 adult marijuana possession charges in the city, and by 2021 (through Oct. 31) that number had dropped 82% to 403 charges.
Strangely, despite the minimum $100 penalty it proposes for possessing 14 grams or less, the bill keeps in place a provision allowing local governments to use discretion to set fines for possessing MORE than 14 grams of weed.
We do applaud the portion of the bill that reduces the possibility of felony charges for repeat penalties. That’s the direction we were going in six years ago, and it’s the direction toward which most residents of our city and state would like to push all elected officials.
Just more than a year after intense local and nationwide marches for social justice and greater accountability for police (and in a state already far behind most of the nation when it comes to marijuana laws), let’s not take a step back.
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.
More about the Legalizing of Marijuana
- Indigenous-Led Campaign Launches to Support Medical Marijuana - Isiah Holmes - Sep 4th, 2024
- How Delta-8 Impacts Marijuana Debate in Wisconsin - Richelle Wilson - Jun 18th, 2024
- Milwaukee Officials Praise Rescheduling of Cannabis by Biden - Isiah Holmes - May 20th, 2024
- What Will Wisconsin Do Now That Feds Are Moving to Ease Marijuana Restrictions? - Rich Kremer - May 2nd, 2024
- 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
Read more about Legalizing of Marijuana here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Common Council
Mural contains hurtful, divisive words and images
Sep 14th, 2024 by Milwaukee Common CouncilStatement of Milwaukee Common Council Members: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderperson Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore, Alderman Peter Burgelis, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
UW-Milwaukee layoffs could be the start of a slippery slope
Aug 26th, 2024 by Milwaukee Common CouncilJoint statement from members of the Common Council: Alderman Peter Burgelis, Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, and Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr.
Beware of predatory colleges that promise quick degrees and employment
Jul 29th, 2024 by Milwaukee Common CouncilJoint statement from members of the Common Council: Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Andrea Pratt, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderperson Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman Robert Bauman, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore, Alderman José G. Pérez, and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic