Kenosha, Wisconsin to Consider Reducing Cannabis Possession Penalties

The Kenosha, Wisconsin Public Safety and Welfare Committee on Monday passed an ordinance and resolution to reduce the fine for first-time possession of cannabis and reduce the bond for those arrested for possession, the Kenosha News reports. The measure passed the committee 3-2 and moves next to the full city council. 

If approved, adults found to be in possession of 25 grams or less of cannabis will face a citation of $1 plus the costs associated with prosecution. Currently, fines for possession range from $10 to $750. Individuals caught possessing more than 25 grams will continue to be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for state criminal prosecution. 

The resolution would reduce the bond for a first offense of cannabis possession to $62.26. Currently, the municipal bond for cannabis possession is $313. The bond would remain the same for those found consuming up to or fewer than 25 grams of cannabis while in a vehicle, possessing cannabis on school property, and for those who or are under the age of 18, the report says. 

Anthony Kennedy, one of the sponsors of the ordinance, said he believes citizens support the reforms and that they will pass the city council. He noted that the resolution and ordinance do not decriminalize cannabis but lessen the impact of getting caught possessing cannabis. 

Currently, cannabis possession is illegal throughout Wisconsin, except for Madison, which passed a decriminalization ordinance in 2020. Last November, residents in Milwaukee approved a non-binding referendum supporting broad cannabis legalization in the state.