961.001 Declaration of intent. The legislature finds that the abuse of controlled substances constitutes a serious problem for society. As a partial solution, these laws regulating controlled substances have been enacted with penalties. The legislature, recognizing a need for differentiation among those who would violate these laws makes this declaration of legislative intent:

(1g) Many of the controlled substances included in this chapter have useful and legitimate medical and scientific purposes and are necessary to maintain the health and general welfare of the people of this state.

(1m) The manufacture, distribution, delivery, possession and use of controlled substances for other than legitimate purposes have a substantial and detrimental effect on the health and general welfare of the people of this state.

(1r) Persons who illicitly traffic commercially in controlled substances constitute a substantial menace to the public health and safety. The possibility of lengthy terms of imprisonment must exist as a deterrent to trafficking by such persons. Upon conviction for trafficking, such persons should be sentenced in a manner which will deter further trafficking by them, protect the public from their pernicious activities, and restore them to legitimate and socially useful endeavors.

(2) Persons who habitually or professionally engage in commercial trafficking in controlled substances and prescription drugs should, upon conviction, be sentenced to substantial terms of imprisonment to shield the public from their predatory acts. However, persons addicted to or dependent on controlled substances should, upon conviction, be sentenced in a manner most likely to produce rehabilitation.

(3) Upon conviction, persons who casually use or experiment with controlled substances should receive special treatment geared toward rehabilitation. The sentencing of casual users and experimenters should be such as will best induce them to shun further contact with controlled substances and to develop acceptable alternatives to drug abuse.

History: 1971 c. 219; 1995 a. 448 ss. 107 to 110, 462, 463; Stats. 1995 s. 961.001.