4/20 Is a Pothead Holiday: What You Need to Know
Recreational and medical marijuana remain illegal in Wisconsin, despite efforts to legalize the plant. But many cannabis enthusiasts in the Badger State are not discouraged from blazing up on April 20th regardless of the laws. Why is April 20th so popular?
The origins of the cannabis holiday are unclear and disputed, but stoners across the nation celebrate 4/20 in several ways. COVID-19 restrictions may limit these activities in certain cities, but illicit drug activity is inevitable on this particular day. Typically, 4/20 is celebrated as such:
- Food
- Music
- Seminars/conventions
- Art
- Outdoor activities (hikes, swimming, etc.)
- Movies
- Games
- (Virtual) group smoke sessions
Penalties for Drug Possession in Wisconsin
Marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it has no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Lawmakers are working to reclassify marijuana as more states have recognized and legalized medical marijuana in recent years. Until Wisconsin joins the list of states that legalized medical cannabis, a person could face the following drug possession penalties:
- Misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fines
- Class I felony punishable by up to 3.5 years in prison and/or $10,000 fines
Keep in mind that these penalties only apply to possession of tetrahydrocannabinol, or “THC.”
Effects of Marijuana
If you plan on celebrating 4/20 in Wisconsin, we urge you to think again. Marijuana is illegal under most circumstances in our state, but we are aware that countless people are going to get high, nonetheless. As such, you should be aware of the possible effects of marijuana on your mind and body. By learning how marijuana could affect you, you may think twice about smoking or ingesting it. Short and long-term consequences of marijuana include:
Short-term effects
- Altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors)
- Altered sense of time
- Changes in mood
- Impaired body movement
- Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
- Impaired memory
- Hallucinations (when taken in high doses)
- Delusions (when taken in high doses)
- Psychosis (risk is highest with regular use of high potency marijuana)
Long-term effects
- Impaired thinking, memory, and learning functions
- Impacts how the brain connects the areas needed to perform key functions
- A decline in general knowledge and verbal ability (according to a study)
If your 4/20 celebrations ended up in drug charges, let us know. Your case may be defendable with the help of our Milwaukee criminal defense lawyer on your side. To learn about your defense options, reach out to us online or at (414) 882-8382!