Since the governor signed a bill in April, use of cannabis oil to treat seizures is now legal in Wisconsin. However, possessing other forms of marijuana remains illegal at the state level, and people arrested for marijuana possession can face serious consequences, including jail time, fines and a criminal record.
If you have been charged with any kind of drug offense in Wisconsin, the first thing you should do is begin mounting your best defense.
Some cities in Wisconsin have decriminalized possession of marijuana in small amounts, but activists in Milwaukee recently marched to urge state lawmakers to do more.
Supporters of marijuana legalization gathered in Milwaukee to tell legislators to “get with the times.”
The group of activists included veterans who have dealt with addiction issues resulting from prescription drugs used to treat chronic pain and PTSD. Veterans in Wisconsin and across the country say that using marijuana has proven to be a better alternative to prescription opioids.
Still, legalization of marijuana may face a tough road in the legislature, with some lawmakers saying they believe legalization would only worsen drug-related problems in the state.
As the future of legalization in Wisconsin remains to be seen, anyone arrested for marijuana possession should be aware of every available defense option.
Depending on the severity of the charge, possessing marijuana in the wrong place in Wisconsin could lead to a jail sentence and a lifetime criminal record. A conviction could also have collateral consequences, including:
- Difficulty finding employment
- Difficulty finding an apartment or obtaining a loan
- Ineligibility for federal student loans
- Ineligibility for government programs such as public housing
- Loss of firearm rights
For more on defending against drug charges, please see Kim & LaVoy’s criminal defense overview.