New bill could legalize medical and recreational marijuana – WKOW
Ryan joined the 27 News Team in August 2025 as a multimedia journalist. She graduated from the Grady College of Journalism at the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism and minors in business and international affairs.
Medical, recreational medical marijuana bill introduced
MADISON (WKOW) – Democrats introduced a bill Monday to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana in Wisconsin.
This move comes as the state remains behind neighbors like Illinois and Michigan in decriminalizing the drug.
However, state Republicans have previously introduced legislation legalizing marijuana – with the the key difference between the Democratic-backed bill and the GOP-backed bill is that Republicans are advocating for strictly-regulated use of medical marijuana, and Democrats are pushing for both medical and recreational use in the state.
“Legalization is about freedom, the freedom of adults to make up their own mind, to make their own choice,” said Rep. Andrew Hysell (D – Sun Prairie).
The Democratic bill proposes legalizing recreational marijuana for adults over 21 and medical marijuana for those over 18 or minors with parental consent. It also includes provisions for the state to re-evaluate sentences for those with cannabis convictions and allows licensed individuals to sell the product.
“According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, Wisconsin would raise nearly $300 million annually,” said Rep. Darrin Madison (D – Milwaukee).
That additional revenue from legalization could benefit farmers.
“Cannabis legalization can create thousands of new jobs, keep production in Wisconsin and ensure this industry is built by Wisconsin farmers and businesses,” said Phillip Scott, the founder and president of Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association.
State Democrats have pushed for marijuana legalization for years. In 2025, Republican Sen. Patrick Testin authored a bill for a tightly controlled, doctor-prescribed marketplace for medical marijuana. WKOW reached out to GOP lawmakers for their take on the newly introduced bill and are waiting on a response.
While these opposing bills exist, Democratic lawmakers said there are continuing conversations across the aisle regarding the legislation introduced Monday.
Ryan joined the 27 News Team in August 2025 as a multimedia journalist. She graduated from the Grady College of Journalism at the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism and minors in business and international affairs.
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