CITY OF MADISON — City of Madison residents can now legally possess and consume 28 grams of marijuana - as well as carry devices used to smoke marijuana - in some public and private places.
A number ofordinances passed by the city's Common Council last month allow people 18 years or older to consume 28 grams of marijuana on public property and on private property, with the owner's permission. The ordinances went into effect Friday.
The Dane County District Attorney's Office has directed the Madison Police Department to not refer charges for incidents that involve someone possessing 28 grams of cannabis or less.
But people who do decide to carry or consume that amount in private or public will still be breaking state and federal laws.
According to the Madison ordinances, cannabis can not be smoked in areas where the smoking of tobacco or vaping is already banned, like in bars and restaurants. Consumption in a motor vehicle, whether driving or riding as a passenger, is also banned.
Heavier penalties still apply for those charged with intent to deliver cannabis.
At the time the ordinances were passed, Madison Alder Mike Verveer said that the laws are well overdue, and encouraged state government to take action.
“It’s preposterous and outrageous that the Wisconsin State Legislature has not moved toward legal and regulated adult use of cannabis like so many states have across the country, including many of our neighboring states,” according to Verveer.
