• Assembly Republicans in the Wisconsin State Legislature have proposed medical marijuana legislation, but many Wisconsinites believe it is too restrictive.
• They are calling for complete legalization, as they believe it is time for Wisconsin to embrace marijuana.
• Grassroots advocacy is driving this push for change and creating a fair framework for marijuana use.
• Legalizing and regulating cannabis offers an opportunity to address the disproportionate impact prohibition policies have had on marginalized communities, particularly African Americans who face higher arrest rates for marijuana possession.
• The cannabis industry also presents inclusivity and economic potential, as demonstrated by veteran-owned Quicksilver Collective and woman-owned Brick and Mortar Hemp Company.
• Legalization could boost Wisconsin’s agricultural sector and small-town businesses, as shown by local dispensaries like Kind Oasis in Milwaukee.
• Additionally, a regulated market would prioritize public safety by ensuring product safety, restricting access to adults, and combating the black market.

This year marked a significant step by Assembly Republicans in the Wisconsin State Legislature with their proposition for medical marijuana legislation. Despite this move, many Wisconsinites felt the bill didn’t go far enough, citing its restrictive nature with only a handful of state-operated dispensaries and a limited list of approved medical conditions.

It’s clear that the people of Wisconsin are calling for far more than what’s currently on the table, as a majority favors the complete legalization of marijuana within our borders.

Having dedicated more than ten years to cannabis policy reform in this state, Wisconsin stands ready to adopt full legalization. With its collective determination, rooted in grassroots advocacy, aiming to drive significant change towards establishing a fair, responsible framework for marijuana use in its community.  Adoption of sensible cannabis laws can positively reshape Wisconsin, highlighting the importance of equity and representation in this burgeoning sector.

Championing Equity & Representation
The transition towards legal and regulated cannabis serves as an opportunity to rectify the disproportionate impact prohibition policies have had on marginalized communities, especially African Americans who are statistically far more likely to face arrest for marijuana possession in Wisconsin, despite equivalent usage rates amongst racial groups.

The cannabis industry also presents inclusivity and economic potential, as demonstrated by veteran-owned Quicksilver Collective and woman-owned Brick and Mortar Hemp Company.  These entities not only aspire to serve their customers but also embody the spirit of community and education in the realm of cannabis.

Revitalizing Local Agriculture & Businesses
Wisconsin’s rich history in hemp cultivation places WI in a prime position to benefit economically from the cannabis and hemp industries. Visits to local dispensaries and businesses like Kind Oasis in Milwaukee showcased the job creation potential and the economic boost that legalization could offer, especially to our agricultural sector and small-town enterprises.

It was disheartening to witness advertisements in Appleton, Menasha, and Oshkosh for Michigan’s cannabis market—a clear sign of the economic opportunities Wisconsin is missing to support its farmers and contribute to the state’s economy.

Strengthening Public Safety Measures
A regulated cannabis market will not only ensure the safety and quality of products but also restrict access to adults aged 21 and over, addressing vital public safety concerns. Meetings with community leaders and business owners underscore the necessity for this regulatory framework to combat the black market and reinforce road safety related to impairment, whether from alcohol or other substances.

Wisconsin is not just ready, but eager for a sensible, adult-use cannabis policy. With a decade of groundwork already laid, the question is no longer if Wisconsin will legalize cannabis, but rather when.