The republican controlled Senate and House in Wisconsin have pushed back any reform or legalization efforts for both medical and recreational cannabis the past few years. Most recently, the Wisconsin Senate passed a bill to increase the penalties for those who use butane to extract cannabis resin. Additionally, the Senate shot down an amendment to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over.
Now, Senator Mary Felzkowski, R, and Representative Patrick Snyder, R, announced they would be introducing a more limited medical cannabis bill to the Wisconsin legislature in the near future.
“Wisconsinites deserve another tool in the toolbox as they go through difficult treatment and recovery journeys, look to alleviate their chronic pain, and handle the debilitating effects of PTSD,” Senator Felzkowski said. There are now 38 states, including Washington, D.C., that have legalized medical cannabis for patients.
Bill Details
Under this proposed bill, which doesn’t have an official number yet, doctors can issue medical cannabis recommendations for patients. At this time, only eight qualifying conditions have been established.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Cancer
- Seizure disorders
- PTSD
- MS
- HIV/AIDS
- Glaucoma
- Crohn’s Disease
Additionally, a medical cannabis regulatory commission would become establish through the Department of Revenue under this proposed bill. This commission would create the rules and regulations of medical cannabis alongside a medical cannabis advisory board. The commission can also add more qualifying conditions in the future.
Doctors who earn their certification through the commission can prescribe medical cannabis in a liquid or oil form, dissolved in alcohol, or in a salve or lotion. Smoking and vaping medical cannabis will remain illegal.
Response
“Medicine is never one-size-fits-all,” Senator Felzkowski and Representative Snyder wrote in a memo about the proposed bill. “And it is time for Wisconsin to join the majority of the country in adding another option which may help patients find the relief they need.”
Governor Tony Evers, D, has been pushing for cannabis reform for years and has called upon lawmakers to make changes. It seems now lawmakers are following through with the requests.
Currently, any cannabis possession is a criminal offense. First cannabis possession offense comes with a max of $1,000 fine and up to six months of jail time. Any subsequent possession offense will receive a felony charge. This charge is punishable by a $10,000 max fine and up to 3.5 years in prison. The criminalization of cannabis is still in place in Wisconsin. Under the proposed bill, patients carrying under the daily limit set by their doctor will not be prosecuted. But those possessing any cannabis without a registration card will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Next Steps
Senator Felzkowski and Representative Snyder plan to introduce their bill sometime soon in their respective chambers. This way, the bill can be discussed in both chambers simultaneously. This will help speed up the legislative process and could push the bill to Governor Evers sooner. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.
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