Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has just called for decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana as well as legalizing marijuana for medical use in the state. The proposal will be included in the new state budget plan, which will be released on Feb 28.
Evers has a history of advocating for marijuana decriminalization, according to WISN 12 News.
“As a cancer survivor, I know the side effects of a major illness can make everyday tasks a challenge,” said Evers. “People shouldn’t be treated as criminals for accessing a desperately-needed medication that can alleviate their suffering. Wisconsinites overwhelmingly agree that this is a critically important issue. But it’s not just about access to health care, it’s about connecting the dots between racial disparities and economic inequity.”
The proposal also includes provisions to expunge the records of those that have been previously convicted for simple marijuana possession and removing restrictions on CBD oil so that a qualifying medical condition would no longer be required to possess and use the non-intoxicating oil.
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection would oversee the growing, testing and selling of medical marijuana. It would also be required that all medical marijuana products be grown in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin’s Legislature is controlled by Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald is strongly against medical marijuana. He’s already said he’s not sure that the proposal would pass. But, State Assembly Republicans have also openly said that there is some support for medical marijuana legalization.