MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) — You could now say the Badger state is getting a contact high from both the north and south, but don’t expect Bucky to take a hit if his friends on either side offer.
Marijuana is now legal in both Illinois and Michigan but will remain illegal in Wisconsin.
Sheriffs across Wisconsin are offering that reminder as the rules for marijuana are changing in neighboring states. Michigan legalized recreational sales in early December; Illinois’ legalization started Wednesday.
For instance, officials in Kenosha County say if you are caught with the drug in your car you’ll be fined over $400 and could be arrested. Other counties say they are also preparing to write more tickets for possession.
The nearest dispensary to Wisconsin is Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary in Rockford, which a Madison man helped to open on New Years Day. Danny Conners was the first person through the door, he told WKOW TV that he showed up at about midnight and purchased $120 worth of goods.
Per Illinois regulations, out-of-state residents can buy up to 15 grams of marijuana, 250 MG of edibles, and 2.5 grams of cannabis concentrate per visit, but again cannot take the items with them when the cross state lines.
Illinois residents can purchase twice as much.
In addition to the new legal sales, thousands of individuals in the Land of Lincoln are having charges of possession expunged as part of the law.
It remains unclear if Wisconsin will follow suit when it comes to legal recreational marijuana. The issue has been a non-starter with lawmakers in Madison for years. Even attempts to legalize the drug for medical purposes have stalled out, despite support from some Republicans.
