Voters may get the chance to vote on medical cannabis and decrim in 2022
Last update: August 11, 2021
On July 30, 2021, two cannabis reform ballot measures were formally approved by the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office. One measure would legalize medical cannabis in the state, while a separate measure would decriminalize possession and cultivation of cannabis. After gathering an initial 100 signatures per initiative to clear the next hurdle, petitioners will have until February 14, 2022 to collect 41,775 valid signatures from registered voters to make the ballot for each measure.
Wyoming currently trails far behind other states when it comes to sensible marijuana policies. Sadly, Wyoming is one of just 14 states with no medical cannabis law, and one of only 19 that still jails its residents for simple possession of cannabis.
Legalization proposed, but does not pass in 2021 session
During the 2021 legislative session, committees passed HB 209, which would have legalized, taxed, and regulated cannabis for adults, and HB 82, which would have required the state to study the possible creation of a medical cannabis program. Unfortunately, the full House chamber took up neither bill before its deadline to do so.
Wyoming's neighbors in Colorado, South Dakota, and Montana have all legalized cannabis for adults. A recent pollfound that 54 percent of Wyomingites support legalizing personal possession of cannabis for adults.
ACLU study shows staggering racial disparities in marijuana arrests
According to a 2018 ACLU study, Wyoming ranks ninth in the nation for the greatest racial disparities in marijuana possession arrests. African Americans in Wyoming are 5.2 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as whites, despite similar usage rates.