This bill proposes significant changes to the legal status of marijuana in Wyoming, transitioning from criminal penalties to civil penalties for specific amounts of marijuana possession. It creates a civil penalty of up to $100 for possession of marijuana in amounts defined within the bill, such as three ounces or less in plant form, or up to 16 ounces for solid products like edibles. The bill also eliminates the prohibition on practitioners prescribing marijuana and removes marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia from the list of criminal offenses. Additionally, it amends definitions related to marijuana and drug paraphernalia, specifically excluding marijuana from the definition of drug paraphernalia.

Furthermore, the bill repeals certain provisions related to the criminalization of marijuana and amends existing laws to reflect these changes. It clarifies that prior convictions for marijuana possession will not count as prior offenses for the purpose of determining penalties for subsequent offenses. The Attorney General is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement the act by July 1, 2024, while the majority of the bill takes effect immediately upon its passage. Overall, the legislation aims to reform marijuana laws in Wyoming, reducing penalties and allowing for legal use and prescription of marijuana products.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-7-1002, 35-7-1031, 35-7-1037, 35-7-1038, 35-7-1039, 35-7-1040