There are few states in America that need marijuana reform as bad as Wyoming. Simply being under the influence of marijuana is a crime in Wyoming, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine. If you get caught possessing marijuana in Wyoming (under three ounces), you are looking a possible year in jail. Distribution of marijuana (any amount) could result in 10 years in prison and a hefty fine.
I have driven East with marijuana before, and I made sure to avoid Wyoming at all costs due to the enormous penalties that would result if I had been caught there. According to media reports from Wyoming, a marijuana legalization initiative was filed last week by NORML. The initiative is for the 2016 ballot, not the 2014 ballot. According to Wyoming’s News Source Trib:
People with debilitating medical conditions would be allowed to grow 12 pot plants and all Wyomingites over age 21 could have marijuana for recreational use, according to a proposed initiative before the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office.
The 13-page proposed initiative was submitted last week by the Wyoming chapter of the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws, members of which have been working on the initiative since the fall. Wyoming NORML hopes to have an initiative before voters in the 2016 election, but the group must first clear hurdles with the state.
I absolutely hope that the initiative passes. In other states I always cringe when I see campaigns waiting until 2016, but Wyoming is one of those states that would undeniably benefit from waiting until a presidential year. Other states will legalize by then, and more years will go by without the sky falling which will no doubt help chances in Wyoming.
