We use cookies for certain features and to improve your experience. See our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy to learn more

Leafly

Shop legal, local weed.

Open
advertise on Leafly
ShopDeliveryDispensariesDealsStrainsBrandsProductsCBDDoctorsCannabis 101Social impact
  • Sign in
  • Create account
  • Strains
  • Shop
  • Shop
  • Delivery
  • Deals
  • Dispensaries
  • CBD Stores
  • Brands
  • Products
  • Learn
  • Cannabis 101
  • News
  • Leafly Learn
  • Science of cannabis
  • Doctors
  • Social impact
  • Lab partners
  • Download the Leafly App
  • Advertise on Leafly
    • Leafly.comUSA flag
    • Leafly.caCanadian flag
    • Leafly.deGerman flag
  • Help
  • News
  • Cannabis 101
  • Growing
  • Strains & products
  • CBD
  • Politics
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Science & tech
  • Industry
  • Reports
  • Canada
  • Podcasts
  • Leafly Lists
Politics

Wisconsin Could Decriminalize Cannabis, Legalize Medical Use

The Associated PressPublished on February 19, 2019 · Last updated July 28, 2020
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (Associated Press)
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers makes good on promise to advance cannabis law reform. (File Photo: Scott Bauer, Associated Press)

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday that his budget will include proposals to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use and legalize medical marijuana.

“People shouldn’t be treated as criminals for accessing a desperately needed medication that can alleviate their suffering.”

The new Democratic governor said it was time for Wisconsin join more than 30 other states and the District of Columbia in legalizing medical marijuana. The governor, who previously advocated for decriminalizing marijuana, noted that citizens in 16 counties and two cities in Wisconsin voted by significant margins in non-binding referendums last year to approve medical marijuana.

“As a cancer survivor, I know the side effects of a major illness can make everyday tasks a challenge. People shouldn’t be treated as criminals for accessing a desperately needed medication that can alleviate their suffering,” the governor said.

Under the proposal, a physician or a practitioner under the direction of a physician could recommend the use of medical marijuana to alleviate symptoms related to medical conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, severe nausea and seizures.

The proposal would decriminalize possession, manufacturing or distribution of marijuana in amounts of 25 grams or less. The plan also would establish an expungement procedure for individuals convicted of possessing, manufacturing or distributing less than 25 grams of marijuana who have completed their sentence or probation.

“It’s not just about access to health care, it’s about connecting the dots between racial disparities and economic inequity,” Evers said. “Too many people, often persons of color, spend time in our criminal justice system just for possessing small amounts of marijuana. That doesn’t make our communities stronger or safer.”

Evers also wants to get rid of the yearly physician’s certification needed for use of cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, which is used to treat seizures.

But his proposal is unlikely to win approval in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

“Without having specific details, his proposal appears to go too far,” Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said. “It makes it easier to get recreational marijuana and provides a pathway to full legalization, which I do not support. I’m open to medical marijuana when it’s prescribed by a doctor but it has to be done in a targeted way without allowing recreational use.”

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, a Juneau Republican, has said he opposes medical marijuana and isn’t sure such a law could pass the chamber.

Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul has said he supports legalizing medical marijuana to help people deal with pain and provide the state with new revenue.

Wisconsin Governor Now Supports Cannabis Legalization image
Politics
Wisconsin Governor Now Supports Cannabis Legalization
The Associated Press
YouTube’s ‘Pot Scientist’ Fired for Answering Burning Questions image
Politics
YouTube’s ‘Pot Scientist’ Fired for Answering Burning Questions
Bruce Kennedy
Sen. Kamala Harris Says Legalize It—and Oh Yes, She Inhaled image
Politics
Sen. Kamala Harris Says Legalize It—and Oh Yes, She Inhaled
Max Savage Levenson
Michigan’s First Cannabis Lounge Is the Chill Alternative to Bars image
Lifestyle
Michigan’s First Cannabis Lounge Is the Chill Alternative to Bars
Marjorie Steele

Shop highly rated dispensaries near you

Showing you dispensaries near
See all dispensaries
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • See all dispensaries
See all dispensaries
decriminalizationmedical marijuanawisconsin
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
The AP is one of the world's largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering.
View The Associated Press's articles

The latest in Politics

  • How US import tariffs are impacting cannabis prices and products image
    How US import tariffs are impacting cannabis prices and products
    Leafly Staff
  • Ohioans must activate to defend cannabis freedoms from lawmakers image
    Ohioans must activate to defend cannabis freedoms from lawmakers
    David Downs
  • Montanans must activate to protect legalization in 2025 image
    Montanans must activate to protect legalization in 2025
    David Downs
  • Analysis: Don’t hold your breath for legalization under Trump 2.0 image
    Analysis: Don’t hold your breath for legalization under Trump 2.0
    David Downs
Get good reads, local deals, and strain spotlights delivered right to your inbox.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.



Stay In Touch

Receive updates on new products, special offers, and industry news.

Something went wrong, please try again.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Leafly mobile app
Get high for less.
Download the Leafly app.
Download Leafly: Marijuana Reviews on the App StoreDownload Leafly Marijuana Reviews on Google Play

Business Solutions
  • List your store
  • List your CBD store
  • List your brand
  • List your practice
  • Business log in

About Leafly
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Investor relations
  • Contact us
  • FAQs
  • Accessibility

Dispensaries in
  • Los Angeles
  • Seattle
  • Portland
  • San Francisco
  • Toronto
  • Detroit

Privacy & Terms
  • Terms of use
  • Commercial terms of use
  • Privacy policy
  • Do not sell my personal information

* Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.


© 2025 Leafly, LLC
Leafly and the Leafly logo are registered trademarks of Leafly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Chat With {{dispensary-name}}
Chat With {{dispensary-name}}
View order details