Wisconsin is one of a handful of the last remaining states in the US that has not yet legalised the use of medical cannabis.
A number of attempts have already been made in the state to legalise cannabis however, have had no success. The latest attempt in May was voted down by Republicans.
However, now, Wisconsin Republican politician Speaker Robin Vos has stated the party plans to introduce a medical cannabis bill later this year. Although a long-time supporter of the introduction of some form of medical cannabis programme, Vos has previously stated he does not want to introduce a retail market.
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With Minnesota legalising retail cannabis sales on August 1, Wisconsin is now surrounded by states that have legalised use of the plant, and a recent analysis from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau found that, in 2022, Wisconsin citizens were traveling to Illinois to purchase cannabis products, contributing around $36 million in tax.
Speaking to the Wisconsin State Journal, Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard, D-Madison, stated: “Knowing that Wisconsinites are getting in their cars, taking time out of their lives to drive to these states and spending their hard-earned dollars in these states and invigorating a tax base and the economy in other communities — I know Wisconsinites would prefer to spend their money here.”
Melissa Agard, Leader of Wisconsin Senate Democrats, has also previously stated that “Marijuana legalisation would be transformational for Wisconsin.”
