Fond du Lac County could have fall referendum on marijuana use, board to discuss Tuesday

small baby steps forward.


"Because the questions posed would be advisory in nature, it would not change any marijuana laws."




Fond du Lac County could have fall referendum on marijuana use, board to discuss Tuesday

https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/2018/08/17/fond-du-lac-county-discuss-marijuana-advisory-referendum/1023714002/


Sharon Roznik, Fond du Lac Reporter Published 5:02 p.m. CT Aug. 17, 2018 | Updated 2:23 p.m. CT Aug. 18, 2018


FOND DU LAC - Fond du Lac County residents could get a chance to weigh-in on the issue of legalizing marijuana at the polls this fall.

A resolution regarding a possible advisory referendum on the legalization and regulation of the adult use of marijuana is up for discussion at Tuesday’s meeting of the Fond du Lac County Board.

If the majority of county supervisors approve, the resolution, which asks three questions, would be placed on the Nov. 6 general election ballot, said chairperson Marty Farrell.

“A number of counties have been conducting similar debates over similar resolutions, and are putting referendum questions on their ballots,” Farrell said.

Dane, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Rock, Sauk, Waukesha, Marathon and Eau Claire counties have decided to bring the question to citizens. Winnebago and Walworth counties this summer decided not to ask voters about marijuana.

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According to the Marijuana Policy Project, Wisconsin lags behind most states when it comes to marijuana policy reform. While 22 states have either decriminalized or legalized cannabis for adult use, under Wisconsin law, possessing even the smallest amount of cannabis can result in up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

In Fond du Lac County, first offense possession of marijuana (less than 25 grams) comes with a hefty $263.50 fine, said Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Capt. Ryan Waldschmdit. Second or subsequent violations, or possession of amounts 25 grams or greater is a criminal misdemeanor arrest. Municipalities throughout the county may have differing fines, he said.
Flowering cannabis plants with a dark background.

(Photo: Getty Images)

The proposed county resolution states that the time spent enforcing existing marijuana laws and ordinances negatively impacts the time that could be spent solving serious crimes, and that criminalizing marijuana has failed to curb its use............................................