Wyoming working to legalize medical or recreation marijuana for use

Wyoming working to legalize medical or recreation marijuana for use

The state of Wyoming is questioning on whether to legal marijuana for medical and or recreational use.  

Opponents of this idea believe that Marijuana is a gateway drug that lead to other drugs which would increase this usage rate. They also state that health service rates will increase to obtain the drug. Other also argue that it simply goes against state and federal laws. 

However the state believes otherwise. Supporters for the bills believe that we are wasting our time and money turning people into criminals for no reason. “We fill up our jails with young people,” Rep. James Byrd told the Casper Star Tribune. “We set all sorts of traps for young people. Look at the arrest rates for young people. Look at the arrests for marijuana. We ruin lives.”

By Jan. 21, the Secretary of State’s staff and NORML representatives will create a proposed initiative that is written in a way that will conform with state laws. Also additional effort are being made by, Rep. Sue Wallis, R-Recluse, intends to introduce a medical marijuana bill before the Legislature, which convenes Feb. 10. The proposed bills will allow use for those of 21 years or older recreationally and medical use with a prescription from a doctor.

Overall, Wyoming is on a new track after having passed House Bill 32 through the Wyoming House of Representatives with a vote of 53-7, which is now on the way to the State Senate. As of now we will just have to wait to see the results and if it should be on the 2016 ballot.

Bill to Carry Concealed Weapons on Campus moves to Senate

Bill to Carry Concealed Weapons on Campus moves to Senate

The Wyoming House of Representatives recently pass a bill that will do away with gun free area in school zones. 

Opponents of concealed weapons say it could lead to more shootings on campus. They also say that most people are not trained in safe use of firearms.

However, there is no reason as to why people cannot be properly trained in order to be able to carry concealed weapons on campus. Students and Faculty have the right to be able to protect themselves on campus. The placement of campus police is great and all but sometimes they are no more trained then the standard person on campus and even if they were they might not get there in time to actually stop a situation. Having campus police is not enough. 

According to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, a UW students Taylor Surber said, “The response time for UW's police department is around three and a half minutes. And I don't believe in that time that if I pressed a safety button on campus that they would be able to protect me."

Due to the success of this bill in the State House with a vote of 42-17, it will now be heading to the Wyoming State Senate for voting. If it does pass this level without further amendments, it will reach Governor Matt Mead’s desk for signature.Which will be great for increasing personal protection on Campuses across the state.