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Milwaukee—Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement on Gov. Evers plan to legalize medical marijuana, decriminalize small amounts of marijuana and expunge the records of those convicted with possession of small amounts of marijuana:
“I’m so thankful to the governor and my fellow legislators who have put forward commonsense proposals that will change lives. Currently, opioid addiction and overdose are hurting individuals and families across the state. Having accessible, legal medicinal marijuana will help many in pain without the harmful effects of addictive narcotics.
“Not only that, but people of color are currently having their lives upended by arrests and convictions for low-level drug use. Even though white people are just as likely to use marijuana, people of color are far more likely to get convicted and imprisoned. This is the first step in addressing the cruel and persistent racial disparities in our criminal justice system.”