Wisconsin Medical Marijuana Comes to a Halt

The attempt by Republicans to introduce medical marijuana legalization in Wisconsin has come to a halt.

Robin Vos, the Assembly Speaker, mentioned on Thursday that while a public hearing is planned to garner support for the next session, it will be scheduled after the Assembly’s adjournment for the current year.

The proposal faced criticism for its stringent restrictions on eligibility and distribution methods, with some arguing it was too conservative and others believing it didn’t go far enough. Disagreements arose within the Senate Republicans over the concept of state-operated dispensaries, and Democrats advocated for complete legalization.

During a press briefing, Vos highlighted, “The Senate desires a more progressive approach than what we are prepared to approve.” He confirmed that the original version proposed by the Assembly could secure enough votes, yet it won’t be presented for voting before the session concludes next week.

Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, has expressed his support for the medical marijuana bill as a preliminary step towards comprehensive legalization.

The proposed legislation would strictly allow medical marijuana for individuals with serious health conditions, limiting distribution to merely five government-controlled facilities and excluding smokable forms.

Wisconsin remains behind the curve on a national scale, with 38 states having approved medical marijuana and 24 states endorsing recreational use. The initiative for legalization has been gaining traction in Wisconsin, especially as neighboring states have relaxed their cannabis laws.

Under the bill, medical marijuana would be accessible only to those diagnosed with specific medical conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, severe muscle spasms, chronic pain, nausea, and terminal illnesses with a prognosis of less than one year to live.