MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – The Marinette County Board is saying no to the legalization of recreational marijuana.
On Tuesday, the board voted 20-8, with two people absent, to approve a resolution opposing legalizing recreational marijuana.
That statement will now be sent off to state officials and legislators, as they debate possible changes in state law.
Medical information was primarily cited in the resolution as the reason for the position.
Less than a year ago, sixteen counties two cities used non-binding referendums to endorse legalizing marijuana for either recreational or medical use.
Additionally, Michigan, which borders Marinette County to the north, has already voted to make recreational marijuana legal.
Full text of the resolution:
RESOLUTION No. 512-19 2 3 Opposition to the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana in Wisconsin WHEREAS, developing brains, especially those of babies in utero, children and teenagers are especially susceptible the harmful effects of marijuana. Although scientists are still learning about the effects of marijuana on the developing brain, studies show that marijuana use by mothers during pregnancy may be linked to problems with attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and behavior problems in their children; and
WHEREAS, occasional use of marijuana has been shown to cause altered senses and altered sense of time, changes in mood, impaired body movement, impaired memory and difficulty with thinking and problem solving; and
WHEREAS, research has shown that marijuana’s negative effects on attention, memory, and learning can last for days or weeks after the acute effects of the drug wear off, depending on the person’s history with the drug; and
WHEREAS, several studies have linked marijuana use to increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including psychosis, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, but whether and to what extent it actually causes these conditions is not always easy to determine; and
WHEREAS, legal marijuana substantially increases the risk of impairment for those working in the manufacturing, construction, agriculture and other business sectors, as evidenced by data showing employees who test positive for marijuana use had 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries and 75% greater absenteeism compared to those who tested negative.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Marinette County Board of Supervisors opposes the legalization of recreational marijuana in the State of Wisconsin.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Marinette County Board of Supervisors directs the County Clerk to forward a copy of this resolution to Governor Tony Evers, Department of Children and Families Secretary Emillie Amundson, Department of Health Services Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm, area legislators, and the Wisconsin Counties Association. Approved this 28th day of May 2019 by a majority of a quorum of the Marinette County Board of Supervisors.
