Wisconsin has not yet legalized recreational marijuana. However, nearby Michigan already has. If you live in northern Wisconsin, for example, you could drive over the border into the Upper Peninsula and find plenty of fully legal dispensaries where those who are at least 21 years old can buy marijuana products.
As a Wisconsin resident, then, you may find yourself tempted to legally purchase these products in Michigan and then simply drive back home to Wisconsin. Some people even think this makes it legal, just because the initial purchase was legal. But there are actually some significant problems that could lead to arrest and drug charges.
You are still violating Wisconsin laws
To begin with, even though you legally purchased those products in Michigan, you are still in violation of Wisconsin law if you possess them while in the state.
Imagine that police officers pull your car over and find marijuana products in the center console. You may have a receipt showing that you bought them legally in Michigan, but that does not change the fact that the officers could arrest you for marijuana possession.
You are also violating federal law
Moreover, marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. This matters because crossing state lines means the federal government has jurisdiction. Driving from Michigan into Wisconsin with marijuana on your person is then a federal crime, even if it would have been legal for you to use those products had you remained in Michigan the entire time.
People sometimes make mistakes regarding recreational marijuana, and it can lead to serious charges. If you find yourself in this position, it is imperative that you know about all of your legal defense options.
