Three Democratic Wisconsin lawmakers stepped over the state line into Illinois on Tuesday, August 3 to announce the introduction of a cannabis legalization bill. In the parking lot of the Sunnyside cannabis dispensary, Senator Melissa Agard and Representatives David Bowen and Mark Spreitzer announced this new bill.

“All you have to do is look right that way and you’ll see the state of Wisconsin,” Senator Agard said to gathered guests and newscasters. She gestured north and described Wisconsin as “an island of prohibition.” In the parking lot where the legalization bill was announced, there were several vehicles with Wisconsin plates. “It’s past time to get this done for our communities,” she continued.

Legalization Bill

This new cannabis legalization bill has three major functions. First, it would establish a recreational cannabis legalization program. Adults 21 and over could possess up to two ounces of cannabis. They could also grow up to six plants in their homes for personal use. Out of state visitors could only carry a quarter of an ounce of cannabis on them at a time. Surrounding states, such as Illinois and Michigan, offer recreational cannabis for adults over 21. Meanwhile, Minnesota offers medical cannabis for qualifying patients. 

Second, the bill offers provisions to create a medical cannabis legalization path with the potential of not paying tax on qualifying purchases. Citizens 18 and older who are diagnosed by a physician as having or undergoing a debilitating condition or treatment would qualify for medical cannabis. 

Finally, there is a path for record expungement. Across the country, African Americans are four times as likely to become arrested for cannabis consumption. However, Wisconsin is worse. There, African Americans are six times more likely to become arrested than their white counterparts, even though cannabis use is similar. Therefore, 60 percent of tax revenue from cannabis sales would return to communities most affected by the war on drugs.

Moving Forward

The next step these three lawmakers have is gaining support for their bill. This past legislative session, the Republican controlled state Congress removed language from Governor Tony Evers’, D, budget proposal. This language would have legalized cannabis across the state. Democrats then tried to add medical cannabis provisions back into the budget proposal, but Republicans denied the motion. Now legalization will have to wait until the next legislative session beginning in January 2022. Until then, Senator Agard remains determined to get more co-sponsors and advocates for this new legalization bill. 

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