By GENE KEMMETER

The likelihood of an ordinance amendment to reduce the forfeiture for possession of marijuana or possession of marijuana paraphernalia to $5 in Stevens Point faded dramatically Monday, Feb. 19.

Alderperson Mary McComb, District 9, who brought up the proposal in December when it was delayed until this month, said, “I have no intention to bring this back” after a discussion on the topic. No vote was taken, but the Public Protection Committee voted 3-2 against the change Dec. 11, keeping the ordinance as is.

McComb said she had studied the topic extensively because a number of states have legalized the use of marijuana, which is the third most popular drug in the nation, behind alcohol and tobacco. Two-thirds of Americans support the legalization of marijuana, yet possession of marijuana in Wisconsin for a second time is a felony.

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