Due to such issues, Wisconsin established the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) Program using services such as case management, substance abuse treatment, drug testing, employment training. After completing the program, charges can be dismissed or reduced. The TAD program has been found to reduce recidivism, costs, and unemployment.

Some Wisconsin municipalities have decriminalized low-level possession. Marijuana is not legal, but results in a municipal ticket, and may mandate fines, required substance abuse evaluation, and treatment.

States surrounding Wisconsin have more lenient marijuana laws. It is legal with regulations in Michigan, and soon will be in Illinois. Minnesota has legalized medicinal marijuana. This complicates the problem for us. Wisconsinites will be traveling out of state for marijuana. People from surrounding states will likely come here with some in possession. Enforcing the criminal laws is bound to absorb increasing resources and produce more criminal records.

I think we should expand the TAD program and continue to allow municipal decriminalization. I do not agree with statewide decriminalization at present.