(File Photo)
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Winnebago County will not be changing penalties for possession of marijuana.
After back and forth discussions between the county’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, they voted 1-1, with three abstentions to leave the current ordinance as is.
The ordinance would’ve reduced simple marijuana possession to a $1 fine. Board member, Brian Defferding, is the author of the ordinance.
“The state of Wisconsin has painted itself into an uncomfortable corner where we are losing residents and tourism due to our current cannabis state laws,” said Defferding.
But board member Conley Hanson, has other concerns.
“The Biden Administration has yet to remove marijuana as a schedule one substance, what I want to avoid in any way shape or form, as unlikely as it might be, but conflict between the states and federal government,” said Hanson.
The public was also able to make comments at the meeting.
“In the state of Wisconsin I don’t have the option to use medical marijuana,” said Caleb Schmidt, a Winnebago County resident who has been battling stage four colon cancer. “I believe Wisconsin is losing a lot of revenue to Illinois, Minnesota or Michigan. I think it’s time for the state to loosen up the restrictions as it applies to marijuana.”
The ordinance did pose some concern for the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.
“Someone would still get a $143.80 ordinance citation because of the costs that are associated with it so it’s not just a buck,” said Sheriff John Matz.
Matz is uneasy about the 25-gram amount.
“What you see in there is approximately 90 bowls, and 60 joints,” said Matz. “Is that personal use, am I sharing, I’m not sure.”
Changing penalties for marijuana is nothing new in the area.
Appleton and Oshkosh all have reduced fines for possessing the drug.
Appleton’s common council voted to reduce the fine from about $200 to $50 for a first offense back in 2020. A second or subsequent offenses would then cost $100.
Oshkosh’s city council voted to reduce the fine for marijuana possession to $75 in 2021. Previously, any adult caught with under 25 grams was subject to a $200 fine.
“This gives you an idea of how much 25 grams is, enough for personal use, certainly not enough for a large distribution,” said Defferding.
After hearing from community members, the Sheriff, as well as the district attorney, most of the committee agreed a vote wasn’t appropriate.
“I personally need a little more time to go over this particular resolution with a little more fine comb in order to make a decision,” said Paul Eisen, another board member.
But after discussion was postponed once before in February, Defferding wanted a vote Monday night, prompting the one yay, one nay, and three abstains.
Because the ordinance did not pass, it cannot be brought up again until the next session.
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