Wyoming Medical Marijuana Card

Wyoming Marijuana Laws

Weed laws in Wyoming are stringent because the state does not have decriminalization laws. As a result, possession of even small amounts of marijuana comes with hefty penalties.  

Wyoming Possession Laws

It doesn’t matter if you possess only a tiny amount of marijuana; you’ll be charged with simple possession under Wyoming drug laws.

• Possession of three ounces or less is a misdemeanor punishable by a one-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $1,000.
• The possession of over three ounces is a felony punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Possession within 500 feet of a school attracts an additional $500 penalty. 

Sale or Distribution of Marijuana in Wyoming

Marijuana sale of any amount carries stiff penalties. If officials catch you with a large amount of marijuana and you have paraphernalia that may be used to package and sell it, you’ll likely be charged with possession with intent to distribute it even if you haven’t sold it.

The sale of any amount is a felony punishable by up to ten years in jail and a maximum fine of $10,000. 

Cultivation of Marijuana in Wyoming

Are you thinking of growing Wyoming medical marijuana? That’s not a good idea. Cultivation of any amount attracts a six-month jail term and a maximum fine of $1,000. Subsequent convictions carry higher penalties.

Paraphernalia Possession

In the Cowboy State, it’s not only Wyoming medical marijuana that will get you into trouble with the law; possessing marijuana paraphernalia such as pipes and bongs is also illegal. Paraphernalia possession carries six months in prison and a $750 fine.

Driving Under Influence

Wyoming medical marijuana law says it is illegal to drive under the influence of a substance that makes you “incapable of safely driving.” A first DUI offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both.

Also, the offender will undergo a substance abuse assessment and lose their driver’s license for 90 days.

A second offense within ten years carries a sentence of seven days to six months in jail, a fine of $250-$750, and a driver’s license revocation for up to one year. Also, an ignition interlock device (IID) will be installed on your vehicle for six months.

The state penalizes a third DUI offense in ten years by enforcing a mandatory one month in jail, up to six months in prison, a fine of $750-$3000, and a substance abuse assessment.

Also, your driver’s license will be suspended for up to three years, and an ignition interlock device (IID) will be installed on your vehicle for two years.

A fourth DUI offense in ten years is a felony punishable by jail time of up to four years, a $10,000 fine, and the suspension of your driver’s license for a period determined by the judge and depending on the facts of the case.

Wyoming Weed Legalization

Wyoming is in the minority when it comes to weed legalization, as most states have legalized medical marijuana, and some have recreational marijuana.

Unsurprisingly, public perception in Wyoming favors legalization. According to a survey conducted by the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center (WYSAC) at the University of Wyoming, 54% of residents support marijuana for adult use. 85% support medical marijuana. 

75% believe that possessing small amounts of marijuana should not carry jail time.

Brian Harnisch, a senior research scientist at WYSAC, said: “As laws regarding the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana change around the U.S., especially in nearby states, it’s not surprising to see attitudes in Wyoming change as well. In all bordering states except Idaho, marijuana or medical marijuana has been legalized to some extent or decriminalized.”

Ballot Initiatives for Legalization of Marijuana in Wyoming

In 2021, activists for legalization obtained approval from the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office for a pair of ballot initiatives. They intended to put two questions before voters; one that would legalize medical cannabis in the state and the other to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Unfortunately, they could not collect the 41,775 voter signatures needed to place the question on the ballot. Afterward, they announced they would turn their attention toward getting the initiatives on the 2024 ballot. 

In the meantime, activists said they would focus on legislative efforts to reform Wyoming cannabis laws.

Legislative Efforts Towards Legalization of Wyoming Medical Marijuana

There have been several attempts by lawmakers to legalize and decriminalize marijuana, but they have been unsuccessful. 

Lawmakers introduced House Bill 49 in 2015; it would have decriminalized possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and imposed a civil fine on offenders rather than a harsh criminal penalty.

However, the bill didn’t make it out of the House. Another decriminalization bill, House Bill 157, also failed in 2017.

In 2019, House Bill 278 proposed creating a medical marijuana program, but it died without being introduced. Despite these setbacks, lawmakers who favor legalization are undaunted.

Presently, House Bill 106 and House Bill 143 are still alive and going through the legislative process.

House Bill 106 intends to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana; people caught with three ounces of marijuana or less will pay a civil fine of $100. 

According to the bill’s text, it will create “a civil penalty for possessing specified amounts of marijuana and eliminating criminal penalties for possessing specified amounts of marijuana; eliminating the use of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia as crimes.”

On the other hand, House Bill 143 intends to legalize Wyoming medical marijuana subject to a physician’s approval. House Majority Leader Eric Barlow sponsored it. 

According to the text, the bill will create “the Wyoming Patient Cannabis Act of 2022; providing for the acquisition, growth, cultivation, extraction, production, processing, manufacture, testing, distribution, use, retail sales, licensing, transportation and taxation of medical marijuana and medical marijuana-derived products; providing for the operation of medical marijuana establishments.”

So, while we don’t know when Wyoming will legalize weed, legalization seems to be on the horizon, thanks to the spirited efforts of activists and lawmakers. 

Wyoming Controlled Substance Act

The legislature enacted the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act 1971 and designated the Wyoming Attorney General the “Commissioner of Drugs and Substance Control.”

Under this act, marijuana is a controlled substance. The law states that it is “unlawful for any person to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance.”

What You Can Do To Help Legalize Wyoming Medical Marijuana

No matter how badly you want it, marijuana is still illegal, and you will face punishment if you break the law. However, you can play a part in making it legal.

Speak to your local representative and let them know that you favor legalization. Lend your voice and signature to ballot initiatives. 

Legislative attempts may get bogged down in bureaucratic processes, but once the marijuana question gets on the ballot, it’s in the hands of the people. 

Turning to Elevate Holistics

Marijuana has gained widespread acceptance, and as more states legalize it, more people seek to understand the confusing terms and regulations that exist in the marijuana space.

That’s why Elevate Holistics is here — to help you make sense of everything canna-related and simplify access. This way, you’re free to focus on enjoying your weed.

Marijuana may not be legal in Wyoming, but going by current trends, it’s only a matter of time before we see reforms in state marijuana law.

When those reforms happen, we’ll be on the scene to help you take advantage of the marijuana opportunities they offer.

While we await legalization, don’t break the law; wait till it’s legal. If you have any questions, reach out to us directly about all things MMJ.