Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Filed In Wyoming Legislature

A bill to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana has been filed in the Wyoming Legislature.

You can read House Bill 204 here. It's sponsored by Rep. Karlee Provenza [D-Albany County].

Possession of Less Than Three Ounces Would Be Punishable By A Fine

The measure would make people found in possession of three ounces of pot or less liable for a fine of up to $100. Decriminalization is not the same as legalization, which would remove all penalties for possession of cannabis.

Under House Bill 204, fines of up to $100 would also be the penalty for possession of several cannabis products in small amounts:

(B)  For products composed of marijuana that are:

(I)  In solid form, including edible products, ointments and tinctures, sixteen (16) ounces or less;

 (II)  In liquid form, seventy‑two (72) ounces or less;

 (III)  In a form that has undergone a process to concentrate one (1) or more active cannabinoids to increase the marijuana's potency, including in powder, crystalline, pill or capsule form, thirty (30) grams or less.

Under current Wyoming law, possession of less than three ounces of weed is a misdemeanor carrying a potential penalty of up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.

Under the bill, possession or cultivation of more than three ounces of cannabis would be a misdemeanor and carry a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Current Wyoming law classifies possession of more than three ounces of weed as a felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine or both.

Because the 2024 session is a budget session, all non-budget items, including House Bill 204, will need a 2/3 majority vote for introduction.