The Washburn Police Department recently left a sarcastic thank you note in place of a hidden weed stash discovered by a paddle boarder on a remote northern Wisconsin beach. 

According to a Facebook post by the department, the paddle-boarder stumbled upon the stash and alerted authorities, who then embarked on a “bushwacking” mission to retrieve the drugs. The officers left a note in the stash’s place that read, “Thanks for the weed! Sincerely, Washburn Police! P.S. We will be watching this beach now!”

Washburn Police Department© Provided by WFRV Green Bay

This unusual find comes amid a complex legal landscape for cannabis in Wisconsin. As of now, marijuana remains illegal for both recreational and medicinal use in the state. 

According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, marijuana-related arrests have been on the rise, with over 15,000 arrests reported in 2020 alone. This includes both possession and trafficking charges.

Neighboring states like Illinois and Michigan have already legalized recreational use, creating a stark contrast and often leading to cross-border tensions.