Breaking: GOP Rep Jarchow will sponsor pot decrim bill

“State Reppin” radio show on Riverwest Radio hosted by State Reps. Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee) and David Bowen (D-Milwaukee). You can listen to the full show
Posted: January 23, 2017 by Gary Storck
Category: Decriminalization

State Rep. Adam Jarchow (R-Balsam Lake) announced he is drafting a bipartisan statewide cannabis decriminalization bill on the “State Reppin” radio show on Riverwest Radio hosted by State Reps. Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee) and David Bowen (D-Milwaukee). You can listen to the full show here. The decriminalization discusses begins a little past the 22:00 mark. This is their Facebook page here.

Rep. Jarchow says he is looking at a $100 fine for 20 grams or less of cannabis. He said, “We will keep it illegal, but the penalty will be a $100 fine like a traffic violation.” Statewide decriminalization would put an end to current laws where first time possession of small amounts is a misdemeanor and second offense possession of any amount is a felony. Currently pot is decriminalized in many jurisdictions while others use state law. This would end the patchwork of laws that now govern pot possession in the state. Decriminalization legislation filed last session by former State Rep. Mandela Barnes (D-Milwaukee) did not get a hearing in committee. Jarchow, an attorney, says he’s not sure how much traction his bill will get in the Republican caucus, but a hearing might be possible. We will be staying on top of this story.