Wyoming

WHAT IS WYOMING’S CURRENT CANNABIS MARKET STATUS?

Wyoming has recently introduced two proposals that may change the legalization status of cannabis in the state: HB106 and HB 143. HB106 is a bill that decriminalizes small amounts of cannabis for adults, and HB 143 would establish a medical cannabis program for qualified patients with serious health conditions in the state. Both bills would reduce senseless arrests for cannabis in the state of Wyoming. 

In 2021, activists were set to collect 41,775 valid signatures to place two cannabis reform questions on the 2022 ballot into legislation - one that would establish a medical cannabis program for patients in the state (HB 82) and another that would decriminalize the personal possession of limited quantities of cannabis (HB 209). Unfortunately, these efforts were met with several challenges, including the delayed approval of the two petitions by the House chamber and not finding enough signatures by the February 2021 deadline. Now in 2022, activists are focused on qualifying their measures for the 2024 ballot while also focusing on reform through the state legislature.

Wyoming is one of the 14 states who have yet to legalize cannabis in any regard with both medical and recreational use still illegal within the state. However, in a recent poll, 62% of Wyomingites have voted in support of the state to stop jailing people for possession of small amounts of cannabis and 54% support legalizing personal possession of cannabis for adults. In general, the “cowboy state” has hesitated to really fight for cannabis legalization and decriminalization. Wyoming ranks ninth in the nation for the greatest racial disparities in cannabis possession arrests. Black individuals in Wyoming are 5.2 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than whites, despite similar usage rates. Are you a Wyoming resident hoping for cannabis reform? Click here to let your representatives know you want them to follow the will of their constituents and at minimum, decriminalize cannabis within the state. 

WHAT ARE WYOMING’S CANNABIS LAWS?

Content Below Last Updated by Point7 3/28/22

Wyoming is home to some of the strictest cannabis penalties in the United States. Even possession of paraphernalia can land a person in prison for up to 6 months and a fine of $750. Possessing less than 3 ounces of flower can come with an associated punishment of up to a year in jail while possession over 3 ounces can be punished by up to 5 years in jail and will be charged as a felony.

WHAT IS WYOMING’S CANNABIS LICENSING TIMELINE & CANNABIS APPLICATION PROCESS?

While recent polls show hope for cannabis legalization in Wyoming, medical and recreational cannabis is still illegal with no available application window at this time.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF CANNABIS IN WYOMING?

Cannabis has been prohibited since the early 20th century with a failed attempt at legalization in 2015 when the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws gathered signatures to have medical legalization on the 2016 election ballot as a voter ballot initiative. Recent polls show that not only do Wyoming residents want jail removed from cannabis punishments but also shows support for legalizing it for medical purposes.

PREPARING FOR THE WYOMING CANNABIS MARKET

We are ready to support your team as you prepare for cannabis licensure in Wyoming. Contact Point7 to discuss the fully customizable products and service packages available that have proved successful for operators around the country.