Republican Lawmakers Kill Cannabis Legalization Provisions in Wisconsin Gov’s Budget Proposal

Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have killed provisions in the proposed
state budget that would have established a regulated, adult-use cannabis
program, the Associated Press reports. It marks the third time in as many
years Republican lawmakers have jettisoned legalization priorities in
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ spending proposal.

In a press release, Evers’ office said the reforms “would help Wisconsin
compete with other states for talented workers and have more resources to
invest in critical state priorities,” and pointed to a February 2024
Marquette University poll that found 60% of Wisconsin voters backed the
reforms.

The governor’s budget estimated adult-use cannabis legalization would
result in $58.1 million in revenue in fiscal year 2026-27 “and growing
amounts in future years” and would “create a process for individuals
serving sentences or previously convicted of marijuana-related crimes to
have an opportunity to repeal or reduce their sentences for nonviolent
minor offenses.”

The proposal would have imposed a 15% wholesale excise tax and a 10% retail
excise tax on adult-use cannabis products.

Wisconsin is bordered by Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota – which have
legalized cannabis for adult-use – and by Iowa, which has not legalized
cannabis for any purpose. Both adult and medical cannabis use remain
illegal in the state.