Wisconsin’s Governor has proposed requiring the state’s Legislature to allow voters to put binding referenda on the ballot – and this could help expand medical cannabis access in the state.
Medical use of cannabis in Wisconsin is legal only in the form of low-THC CBD oil. Wisconsin’s first medical cannabis law came into effect in 2014, and in 2017 then-Governor Scott Walker expanded access to cannabidiol. The state’s current Governor, Tony Evers, has been wanting to further expand patient access for years, but has been hostage to the State Legislature.
In other states, ballot initiatives can, and have, forced change. But that’s not an option in Wisconsin – yet.
Governor Tony Evers announced this week he wants to see Wisconsinites able to enact statutory and constitutional changes through a majority vote at state elections, and without the Legislature’s approval.
“The will of the people should be the law of the land,” he said. “Republican lawmakers have repeatedly worked to put constitutional amendments on the ballot that Republicans drafted, and Republicans passed, all while Republicans refuse to give that same power to the people of Wisconsin. And that’s wrong.”
The governor’s proposal will be included in his 2025-27 biennial budget.
Among the issues that have seen strong support from a majority of Wisconsinites is medical marijuana. In a Marquette Law School Poll from early last year, when asked if respondents think the use of marijuana for medical purposes with a doctor’s prescription should be made legal or not, 86% said yes – with 78% of Republicans supporting it. On the legalization of marijuana beyond medicinal uses, overall 63% supported it (Republicans 46%).
This isn’t the first time Governor Evers has proposed creating a statewide binding referendum process. He previously did so in 2022 during a special session of the State Legislature.
“Republicans gaveled in and out of the governor’s special session in a matter of seconds without debate, failing to even consider or take up the opportunity for Wisconsinites to place their own binding referenda on the ballot,” states the Governor’s office.
Wisconsin is surrounded by three states that have legalized cannabis for adult use – Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota. It also shares a border with Iowa, which has a broader medical program than Wisconsin.
Wisconsin’s Governor wants to allow voters to put binding referenda on the ballot, which could help expand medical cannabis access. Read More
