In a recent report by The Badger Institute, differences in cannabis citation rates across Wisconsin reveal just how varied local enforcement policies are.
Using data from six communities, the report highlights that residents in DeForest, a small town with just over 11,000 people, are over 13 times more likely to receive cannabis citations compared to those in Milwaukee. As the Badger Institute notes, “Enforcement of cannabis ordinances can differ greatly, even within similar jurisdictions.”
While cannabis possession is technically prohibited in each community analyzed—including DeForest, Milwaukee, Fitchburg, Hobart/Lawrence, and Two Rivers—some communities seem to be adopting more relaxed approaches. For example, Milwaukee has reduced its citation rate by more than 55% since 2017, while DeForest has actually increased its enforcement.
In fact, according to the report, DeForest has seen a “substantial increase in 2023 after four years of steady decline,” contrasting with Milwaukee’s steep decline in enforcement.
Furthermore, Milwaukee and Dane counties, which include Milwaukee and Fitchburg respectively, show different trends. While Milwaukee County has decriminalized cannabis possession, the city has retained its ordinances, leading to hundreds of citations each year.
Meanwhile, Fitchburg has shown a steady decline in citations in line with statewide trends, but DeForest, in the same county, has opted for more frequent enforcement.
This report underscores the complexity of cannabis enforcement in Wisconsin, where local governments have significant discretion in applying cannabis laws. As The Badger Institute suggests, this variability “reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of Wisconsin’s communities,” illustrating a patchwork approach to cannabis enforcement across the state.
