Efforts to gather signatures for two separate cannabis questions in Wyoming began on September 8. By September 17, goals had already been reached. And the support for these cannabis measures doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. 

To put the cannabis measures on the 2022 ballot, each will need 41,776 valid voter signatures. Additionally, those signatures must come from 16 of Wyoming’s 23 counties that equals 15 percent of the number of people who voted within the county in the last general election. This way, signatures come from active voters, not those who care about certain concerns or don’t show an interest in public input. 

So far, one county has already met these requirements. Hot Springs County has collected the required signatures. However,  that doesn’t mean those in Hot Springs who haven’t signed either measure can’t anymore. Signatures are constantly being gathered. 

“Volunteers around the state continue to collect signatures, as canvassing teams focus their attention on the 15% required in 16 Wyoming Counties,” a recent press release explains.

Measures

Both measures hoping to make their way to the 2022 ballot come from the Libertarian Party and Compassionate Options Wyoming (COW). Each organization says they plan to work together to give the Wyoming citizens what they want. 

The first measure is the Wyoming Patient Cannabis Act of 2022. Approved Wyoming patients can purchase and possess up to four ounces of cannabis flower should this measure pass. Patients with qualifying conditions can also grow up to eight plants for personal use. Some conditions include:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s
• Dementia

The second measure, called the Wyoming Cannabis Amendments, would decriminalize cannabis possession. Citizens will only receive small fines for possessing up to four ounces of cannabis at a time if this measure is approved. There would be no threat of jail time, only fines and a misdemeanor charge. 

Next Steps

Activists have until February 2022 to submit signatures to put each measure on the 2022 ballot. Both the Libertarian Party and COW are looking to submit double the amount of signatures. That way, if some signatures become thrown out for various reasons, it’s very unlikely the amount of signatures will fall below the requirement. 

Plus, activists are excited by the public’s response. Initiative Chair and Casper City Council member Shawn Johnson spoke about the enthusiasm in all demographics. 

“Enthusiasm is extremely high with the voters that we have spoken to so far,” Johnson said. “The people of Wyoming believe in individual liberty, and now more than ever want to protect their rights to make medical choices that are right for them. We are very grateful for the warm reception we have received all over the state.”

It doesn’t seem the support for decriminalizing cannabis and legalizing medical cannabis are slowing down anytime soon. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.