Live music fans gathered near the stage at the Marquette Waterfront Festival in Yahara Place Park a few weeks ago barely took notice of the smell of marijuana smoke in the air. The unmistakable odor is as ubiquitous at east side festivals as ethnic food, jewelry vendors and men with beards. Along with Colorado, Washington state a=C2=80" which both recently legalized marijuana a=C2=80" and California, where a crick in the neck or sleeping problems can qualify for a medical permit to buy marijuana, Madison is well known for being lenient on casual pot smokers. [continues 531 words]
A bill recently signed by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker aimed at addressing a frightening rise in heroin-related deaths prevents those who report another person's overdose from being prosecuted for drug possession. However, the person suffering from the overdose may still face jail time when they come to. Madison Police Officer Howard Payne, a department spokesman, says he believes most overdose cases result in criminal charges. "Officers investigate that matter as thoroughly as they can and arrive at a decision as to whether a charge is appropriate," he says. "At minimum it's a possession-level (offense)." [continues 350 words]
In two states last year, voters legalized recreational marijuana. One of those states, Colorado, is similar politically to Wisconsin. And yet, few among Wisconsin's political class appear to take pot legalization seriously. If anything, it is dismissed as a wacky western idea that has no place in the heartland. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke seemed amused when asked what she thought about cannabis legalization several weeks ago. "I don't think that's where the people of Wisconsin are at," said Burke, who has indicated she could support legalizing medical marijuana. [continues 578 words]
