Cannabis in Wyoming

Wyoming has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the United States.[1][2]

Possession of under three ounces of cannabis is a misdemeanor that can be punished with up to a year in prison and a $1000 fine; possession of over three ounces is a felony.[3]

Medical use

In July 2015, a new law took effect allowing the use of CBD oil to treat seizures. The law is narrow and does not provide for in-state access.[4]

Failed attempts to change legal status

As of mid-2015, the Wyoming chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is gathering signatures in an attempt to place legal medical marijuana on the 2016 election ballot as a ballot initiative. Wyoming has some of the most stringent ballot initiative requirements in the country, due to which the state has not seen a public initiative reach the ballot since 1991.[5]

In 2016, legislation in the Wyoming House of Representatives to decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana (sponsored by State Representative James Byrd of Cheyenne) failed for the third year in a row.[6][7]

Polling

An October 2014 poll of Wyoming residents conducted by the University of Wyoming found that 35% supported legalizing the use of marijuana by adults, while 60% opposed such a measure.[8] However, a large majority favored allowing adults to use marijuana if prescribed by a physician (72% support, 25% oppose).[8] Compared to a previous survey in 2000, the 2014 results showed a modest increase in support for legalized personal marijuana use and no change in support of medical marijuana use.[8]

References

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