Medical marijuana, a Republican plan to legalize it in Wisconsin, is dead.

Demise of Republican Proposal

The Republican attempt to legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin has come to an end. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced that while a public hearing will still take place to garner support for the measure in the next session, it will not occur until after the Assembly adjourns for the year.

Controversy Surrounding the Measure

The proposal faced criticism for its conservative approach, with concerns raised about its restrictive provisions regarding access to medical marijuana and distribution methods. While some argued it was too limiting, others faulted it for not going far enough. Senate Republicans opposed the idea of state-run dispensaries, while Democrats advocated for full legalization.

Assembly Speaker’s Remarks

Assembly Speaker Vos acknowledged the divergence in views between the Senate and the Assembly, stating that the Senate favored a more liberal version than what the Assembly was willing to pass. Despite the potential for passing the original Assembly version, Vos clarified that it would not be brought up for a vote before the Assembly concludes its session for the year.

Governor Evers’ Support

Democratic Governor Tony Evers expressed support for legalizing medical marijuana as a precursor to full legalization. The proposed legislation would limit marijuana access to individuals diagnosed with specific medical conditions, including cancer, HIV or AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, severe muscle spasms, chronic pain or nausea, and those with a terminal illness and less than a year to live.