Medical Marijuana Bill Gets Hearing at State Capitol

Friday, April 22nd, 2022 -- 10:01 AM

(AP) Proponents of legalizing medical marijuana in Wisconsin made their case Wednesday at a public hearing on a Republican bill that’s getting its first airing under the GOP-controlled Legislature, the latest sign of movement toward loosening the state’s pot laws.

The bill only got a hearing after the Legislature had adjourned for the year, meaning the soonest the idea could be acted on is next year. Supporters of full legalization called the hearing a stunt.

But Republican supporters said they were trying to start a conversation and introduce another bill next year based on feedback they receive. Polls have consistently shown broad support for both medical and recreational marijuana legalization in Wisconsin.

But Republicans, who have had full control of the Legislature since 2011, have repeatedly blocked any efforts to loosen the law. The only other time a medical marijuana bill got a public hearing was in 2009, when Democrats had majority control of the Assembly. That bill did not pass.

Frustrated marijuana legalization proponents have watched all four of Wisconsin’s neighboring states loosen their laws, making Wisconsin an island of prohibition. Recreational marijuana is legal to Wisconsin’s north in Michigan and to the south in Illinois.

Both Minnesota and Iowa allow medical marijuana. Eighteen states have fully legalized marijuana. The strongest advocates for full legalization say the Republican-backed bill falls far short of what is needed.

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