Wyoming Marijuana Laws

Introduction

Wyoming marijuana laws remain among the strictest in the United States, with both recreational and medical cannabis use prohibited. As of 2024, Wyoming continues to criminalize all forms of marijuana possession, cultivation, and distribution. This comprehensive guide explores the current legal landscape surrounding Wyoming marijuana, detailing regulations for businesses and individuals, recent legislative efforts, and potential future developments in the state’s cannabis policy.

Overview of Marijuana Laws

• Marijuana is fully illegal in Wyoming for both recreational and medical use. The state has not legalized or decriminalized cannabis in any form, maintaining prohibition for possession, sale, and cultivation.

Recreational Marijuana Laws

• Current Status: Recreational marijuana is illegal in Wyoming. There are no legal avenues for obtaining or using marijuana for recreational purposes.
• How to Legally Obtain Recreational Marijuana: There are no legal methods to obtain recreational marijuana in Wyoming.

Medical Marijuana in Wyoming

• Eligibility and Requirements: Wyoming does not have a medical marijuana program. There are no legal provisions for medical cannabis use in the state.
• How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card: Medical marijuana cards are not available in Wyoming as there is no legal medical marijuana program.

Business Licensing for Marijuana Operations

• Types of Licenses Required: There are currently no marijuana business licenses available in Wyoming as all cannabis operations remain illegal.
• Application Process: No application process exists for marijuana businesses in Wyoming due to the illegal status of cannabis.

Taxation of Marijuana Products

• Sales Tax and Excise Tax: As marijuana remains illegal in Wyoming, there are no specific tax regulations for cannabis products.

Recent and Upcoming Marijuana Legislation

• Recent Changes in the Law: No recent changes have been made to Wyoming’s marijuana laws.
• Proposed Legislation and Potential Impact: In recent years, bills have been introduced to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis and establish a limited medical cannabis program. However, these efforts have not advanced in the legislature.

Penalties for Violating Marijuana Laws

• Legal Consequences for Possession: Possession of 3 ounces or less is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months of incarceration and a $1,000 fine. Possession of more than 3 ounces is a felony, carrying up to 5 years of incarceration and a $10,000 fine.
• Penalties for Illegal Sales or Distribution: Sale or distribution of marijuana is a felony in Wyoming, with severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.

Regulations for Marijuana Sales and Distribution

• Retail Sales Regulations: There are no retail sales regulations for marijuana in Wyoming, as all cannabis sales are illegal.
• Distribution and Supply Chain Requirements: Wyoming does not have legal distribution or supply chain requirements for marijuana.
• Compliance with State and Local Laws: With marijuana being fully illegal in Wyoming, there are no compliance requirements for marijuana businesses. Any involvement in cannabis sales or distribution is a violation of state and local laws, carrying criminal penalties.

Personal Use and Possession Regulations

• Limits on Possession: All possession of marijuana is illegal in Wyoming. There are no legal limits as possession of any amount is prohibited.
• Public Use Restrictions: Public use of marijuana is illegal throughout Wyoming.

Hemp Business Legality in Wyoming

• Legalization Date: Wyoming legalized hemp cultivation in 2019.
• Licensing Requirements: Hemp cultivators must obtain a license from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Licensees must comply with THC testing requirements to ensure THC levels do not exceed 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
• Regulatory Compliance: Hemp businesses must maintain detailed records of planting, harvesting, and processing activities. Regular reports must be submitted to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, and cultivation sites must comply with local zoning regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is marijuana legal in Wyoming?

No, marijuana remains illegal for both recreational and medical use in Wyoming. The state has not implemented any programs or laws to legalize cannabis in any form.

Is Delta 9 legal in Wyoming?

Delta-9 THC is illegal for recreational and medical use in Wyoming. Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products are legal only if they contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. However, recent legislation set to take effect in July 2024 will further restrict the sale of hemp-derived THC products in the state.

Can you buy medical marijuana in Wyoming?

Wyoming does not have a medical marijuana program, so medical marijuana cards are not available. There are currently no legal avenues for obtaining medical cannabis in the state.

What are the penalties for possessing marijuana in Wyoming?

Possession of marijuana in Wyoming carries significant legal consequences. The severity of the penalty depends on the amount possessed, with possession of 3 ounces or less being a misdemeanor and possession of more than 3 ounces being a felony.

Are there any Wyoming marijuana businesses?

There are no legal marijuana businesses in Wyoming due to its illegal status. All cannabis-related commercial activities, including cultivation, distribution, and sales, are prohibited under state law.

Is CBD legal in Wyoming?

CBD derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal in Wyoming. However, CBD derived from marijuana remains illegal under state law.

Can I grow hemp in Wyoming?

Yes, hemp cultivation is legal in Wyoming with proper licensing from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Growers must comply with state regulations and ensure their crop does not exceed the 0.3% THC limit.

Are there any efforts to legalize marijuana in Wyoming?

There have been legislative efforts to reform marijuana laws in Wyoming, including attempts to decriminalize possession and establish a medical marijuana program. However, these efforts have not been successful to date.

Can I use marijuana if I have a medical card from another state?

No, Wyoming does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. The use of marijuana for any purpose, including medical reasons, remains illegal in the state regardless of authorization from other jurisdictions.

Is it legal to transport marijuana through Wyoming?

No, it is illegal to transport marijuana through Wyoming, even if you’re traveling from one legal state to another. Possession of any amount of marijuana while in Wyoming is a criminal offense.

How old do you have to be to buy a bong in Wyoming?

You must be 19 years old to legally purchase a bong. While bongs can be bought at this age, it’s important to note that marijuana remains illegal in the state, and using bongs for illegal substances can lead to serious legal consequences.

What is the difference between hemp and marijuana in Wyoming law?

Under Wyoming law, hemp is defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC and is legal to cultivate with proper licensing. Marijuana, which typically contains higher levels of THC, remains illegal for all purposes in the state.

Conclusion

Wyoming marijuana laws continue to maintain full prohibition, with no legal provisions for recreational or medical use. While hemp cultivation is permitted under strict licensing requirements, all other cannabis-related activities remain illegal. Recent legislative attempts to reform Wyoming marijuana laws have been unsuccessful, leaving the state as one of the few holdouts against the national trend of cannabis legalization. As the debate around marijuana policy evolves, Wyoming residents and visitors must remain aware of the severe penalties associated with cannabis-related offenses in the state. For those interested in Wyoming marijuana law reform, staying informed about upcoming legislative sessions and potential ballot initiatives will be crucial in the coming years.