At least 2020 wasn’t all bad. Sure, there was this, and this, and this too, but there have been a few small silver linings. Donald Trump faced a consequence for the first time ever, so that’s something. And here in Madison, there is some welcome good news.
Earlier this month, the Common Council retooled an existing marijuana ordinance that allowed people 18 and older to possess and consume up to 28 grams of pot on private property. Now, they can do it publicly, too, with the Dane County DA’s office advising no criminal charges for anyone possessing that amount of weed or less. It’s a welcome change to a system that has inordinately affected Black smokers, and a generally encouraging sign as the rest of the country pushes closer to full legality.
Now, it should be noted that Madison did not become Hamsterdam overnight. There are still rules to public pot use, which are outlined in this piece from the Wisconsin State Journal. The important big takeaway is that while it’s legal to possess your allotted 28 grams just about anywhere in the city, that same protection is not extended for using it. And definitely don’t use it within 1,000 feet of a school, unless you’re into community service and fines.
The guidelines are pretty straightforward for the most part. Basically, just use discretion if you’re going to get baked in public. (Not at a park, though; that’s still a no-no.) And if you really want to spark up at your favorite neighborhood establishment, ask first before taking a fat one straight to the face. Don’t ruin a good thing for everyone.
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