Proposed Jackson marijuana ordinance passes 2nd reading

A proposed ordinance in Jackson could soon change the punishment for first-time marijuana possession offenders.

The proposed ordinance would give the municipal court an opportunity to negotiate with first-time marijuana offenders. The ordinance’s second reading passed unanimously at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. The Jackson Town Council can approve the ordinance during the third reading at the Sept. 15 meeting.

Right now, the town prosecutor and municipal court have limited options. The town can either prosecute the offender or dismiss the citation.

The proposed ordinance would let the prosecution and defense negotiate an end other than conviction or dismissal of the citation. Town Attorney Audrey Cohen-Davis proposed that the town adopt this Wyoming State Statute.

“The court could potentially require substance abuse treatment, or like I said, probation or community service,” said Cohen-Davis. “Opposed to a conviction on a record for a misdemeanor, so we haven’t, to my knowledge, received any negative public comment.”