Madison NORML

I can't help but feeling a little deja vu after having read similar sentiments in 3 decade old articles and editorials in the Capital Times, Wisconsin State Journal and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel while researching my presentation on 23.20’s origins for the anniversary commemoration on April 5.

Coming on the heels of the 1972 federal Shafer Commission report, which urged decriminalizing cannabis, and statewide hearings on pot laws held at 8 Wisconsin locations in 1975, decriminalization had wide support from then-Gov. Patrick Lucey and Attorney General Bronson LaFollette to state agencies, treatment providers, and groups like the League of Women Voters. Despite this support, a statewide decriminalization law was never passed in the 1970's, and the backlash of the Reagan years and Tommy Thompson's pandering to the "tough on crime" crowd actually made marijuana laws harsher.

While current state law allows municipalities and counties to adopt decriminalization ordinances, a statewide law faces significant opposition from some ever-grandstanding Republicans, like Rep. Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa), who called medical marijuana a backdoor way to legalize marijuana that was not going to happen "on her watch." For far too long, partisan politics has replaced common sense and the better good of all state residents in deciding how our state should be governed. In the case of cannabis, the result has not just been numerous lives ruined by harsh criminal prosecutions, but generations of sick people forced to choose between breaking the law and their own health and quality of life. The editorial’s suggestion is a tall order for a body not known for thinking outside the box.

Source: Capital Times
Pubdate: 11 April 2007

EDITORIAL: MADISON & MARIJUANA

The intent of Madison voters, established by referendum three decades ago this spring, is that individuals should not be prosecuted for possessing small amounts of marijuana intended for personal use.

By and large, local officials respect that intent. Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard's office no longer files criminal charges against individuals possessing less than 25 grams of marijuana - roughly an ounce. For the most part, local police officers understand that it is neither necessary nor practical to go after recreational or medical users of the substance.

Unfortunately, Madison's sensible approach remains at odds with state laws. That puts local law enforcement officials in a bind, creating confusion and opening the prospect that cases may be treated unequally.

Madison's representatives in the Legislature have been in the forefront of pushing for the decriminalization of medical marijuana, which is good. But they should also be pushing for a more general decriminalization to bring state law in line with local ordinances - and the clear intent of the citizenry.