Fifteen states have endorsed legalization of marijuana, and more than 30 have medical-marijuana programs. (Adobe Stock)
February 11, 2021
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal includes a plan to legalize recreational marijuana.
The idea faces strong resistance from GOP leaders, but advocates say public polling shouldn’t be ignored in the debate.
Evers’ plan would allow residents 21 and older to possess small amounts of the drug, which would be taxed and regulated.
Fifteen states have either started, or are in the process of enacting, decriminalization programs, including neighboring states such as Illinois and Michigan. Minnesota leaders are debating the issue as well.
Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said it shows it’s not a taboo subject for policymakers anymore.
“Five years ago, it would be difficult for a governor or members of a state legislature to publicly back marijuana policy reform,” Schweich observed.
But he noted it appears more leaders are noticing trends in public polling, including Gallup surveys, which now show 68% of Americans backing legalization. That compares with just 25% in the mid-1990s.
However, Republicans, who control Wisconsin’s legislature, do not appear willing to go along, suggesting they would only get behind a medical marijuana program.
Two years ago, a separate Marquette Law School…
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Fifteen states have endorsed legalization of marijuana, and more than 30 have medical-marijuana programs. (Adobe Stock)
February 11, 2021
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal includes a plan to legalize recreational marijuana.
The idea faces strong resistance from GOP leaders, but advocates say public polling shouldn’t be ignored in the debate.
Evers’ plan would allow residents 21 and older to possess small amounts of the drug, which would be taxed and regulated.
Fifteen states have either started, or are in the process of enacting, decriminalization programs, including neighboring states such as Illinois and Michigan. Minnesota leaders are debating the issue as well.
Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said it shows it’s not a taboo subject for policymakers anymore.
“Five years ago, it would be difficult for a governor or members of a state legislature to publicly back marijuana policy reform,” Schweich observed.
But he noted it appears more leaders are noticing trends in public polling, including Gallup surveys, which now show 68% of Americans backing legalization. That compares with just 25% in the mid-1990s.
However, Republicans, who control Wisconsin’s legislature, do not appear willing to go along, suggesting they would only get behind a medical marijuana program.
Two years ago, a separate Marquette Law School…
