Wisconsin legislators have introduced a bill to legalize cannabis usage and possession of up to five ounces of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. The bill, drafted by Wisconsin State Sen. Melissa Agard and Rep. Darrin Madison, aims to address public opinion in favor of cannabis legalization and curb revenue loss to neighboring states where cannabis is legal.
Under the proposed bill, possession of more than five ounces of marijuana would no longer result in a felony charge. Additionally, the penalties for minors found in possession of marijuana would be reduced to fines rather than criminal charges.
Wisconsin has made previous attempts to ease restrictions on cannabis, with earlier efforts to legalize recreational marijuana failing. However, the bill reflects growing support for cannabis legalization among both Republicans and Democrats, although the majority of Republicans only slightly support it.
The bill also seeks to address the racial disparities in cannabis-related arrests and convictions. Black communities and individuals are disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization, despite similar usage rates across different demographic groups. The bill includes provisions for expunging the criminal records of past possession convictions.
If the bill is passed, Wisconsin could benefit from increased tax revenue. In 2022, Illinois generated $36.1 million in tax revenue from marijuana sales to Wisconsin residents. The bill also recognizes the potential benefits of legalized cannabis, such as small business opportunities and a regulated marketplace.
The medical benefits of cannabis are also noted, as it has been found effective in treating chronic pain disorders and other conditions. Many patients have reported relief from symptoms associated with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, and more. Cannabis is seen as a cost-effective alternative to some prescription medications.
While the bill represents a significant step toward cannabis reform in Wisconsin, it remains to be seen how it will progress through the legislative process and whether it will gain the necessary support for passage.
, an independent military force, and allied militias in Sudan raped several dozen women and girls in West Darfur’s capital, El Geneina, and those fleeing to Chad between late April and late June 2023, Human Rights Watch said today. The assailants appear to have targeted people because of their Massalit ethnicity and, in some cases, because they were known activists.){kind=link}