Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose Two Medical Cannabis Bills

Wisconsin in bordered by the states of Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota, which all allow medical cannabis. Wisconsin could soon become the 29th state to legalize medical cannabis. Representative Chris Taylor (D-Madison) and Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) introduced two bills that would legalize medical cannabis. The Compassionate Cannabis Care Act would legalize medical cannabis in the state, and the second bill would establish a statewide advisory referendum, putting the power in the hands of Wisconsin voters.

“The people of the state know we must legalize medical marijuana,” Taylor said at a press conference. Erpenbach has been working toward legalizing medical cannabis for a decade. “Having dealt with this issue for 10 years now, quite frankly I’m pretty sick of it,” Erpenbach said of the arguments against cannabis legalization. “It’s cold, it’s callous, it’s calculated, it’s stupid.”

A month ago, former presidential candidate Governor Scott Walker said he doesn’t support legalizing any form of cannabis. Walker told the press that he is “not interested in opening the door towards legalizing marijuana, be it overall or even for medical marijuana, because I think studies show medically there are much more viable alternatives.” Senator Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald opposed both bills. “@SenFitzgerald says he is opposed to legalizing medical marijuana as well as bill calling for statewide referendum to measure support,” an Associated Press Statehouse correspondent tweeted.

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse expressed support for the bills. Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, has not seen the bills, but explained that he normally supports medical cannabis bill proposals.

Steve Acheson, an Iraqi War veteran who uses cannabis to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, spoke out at the news conference in support of medical cannabis. Acheson credits cannabis for improving his health and consequently, his academic performance. Wisconsin only allows limited CBD oil to treat severe illnesses. A recreational bill introduced last year failed to gain any steam. Currently, possession of less than an ounce in Wisconsin warrants up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1000.