Democrats propose bill to legalize marijuana in Wisconsin – WBAY
MADISON, Wis. (WBAY) – Could recreational marijuana be legalized in Wisconsin soon? Democratic lawmakers introduced a bill in Madison on Monday with that goal.
However, it could face opposition from Republicans who control both the Assembly and the state Senate. We hear from both sides as the debate begins.
While there’s already a bill to legalize medical marijuana being debated in Madison, Democratic lawmakers are now seeking to pass a bill of their own they hope will have bipartisan support allowing for responsible recreational use among adults.
“40 states and Washington D.C. have legalized cannabis in some form and here in the Midwest, Michigan and Illinois, Minnesota and others have all legalized cannabis for adult use, but Wisconsin hasn’t,” Rep. Darrin Madison, D-Milwaukee, said.
The bill would also create a regulated medical cannabis system, generate new state and local revenue, and provide a pathway to expunge or adjust past marijuana-related convictions.
Republican Dean Kaufert supports legalizing medical marijuana but believes other provisions in the bill, especially those dealing with past convictions, go a bit far.
“I’m open to talking to them. I’m open to working with them, but the reality is, there’s only three weeks left in the session. Hopefully we can pass the medical marijuana bill. That’s a start to get it going,” Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, said.
The legislation is also being requested by hemp farmers, who have been producing hemp to create and distribute products with low amounts of THC thanks to a 2018 loophole in the Farm Bill meant to encourage the practice.
However, this changed back in November when Congress eliminated that provision. A state law, they say, would clarify their rights.
“In mid-November Congress passed a continuing resolution that is enacted next year would wipe out large portions of the Wisconsin hemp industry overnight, not because farmers did anything wrong but because the rules changed yet again,” Phillip Scott, president of the Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association, said.
Democratic Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner is also supporting the bill, saying:
“When we talk to school boards and homeowners, the message is consistent. Costs are rising faster than families can keep up. Legal cannabis revenue is not a silver bullet, but it is a responsible tool that can help stabilize school funding and ease pressure on property taxes.”
If it passes, marijuana would be legal for anyone over 21. Anyone 18 or older could participate in the medical marijuana registry.
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