MADISON (WKOW) — Wisconsin Repubicans have unveiled a new proposal to establish a medical marijuana program in the state.
The bill would limit the drug to only those who are severely ill with chronic diseases like cancer. Smokeable marijuana would not be allowed.
The proposal also regulates medical cannabis growers, processors, and testing laboratories, and requires the state to establish five state-owned dispensaries to grow and sell medical cannabis products.
Cannabis lawyer Jason Tarasek worked closely with lawmakers in Minnesota to hone the state’s adult-use cannabis bill that legalized recreational marijuana in the state. He said this week that he sees similarities between Wisconsin’s proposal and Minnesota’s initial medical marijuana program that was established in 2014. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has indicated this proposal is based on Minnesota’s program.
Tarasek said that their initial program was similarly restrictive, but has loosened in recent years to include other conditions such as autism, intractable pain, and sleep apnea.
“Like everything with marijuana, it is very controversial when it’s first introduced, the stigma is real around marijuana,” he said. “I think it’s interesting to watch these states come online, and I’m certain that if the medical marijuana program is introduced in Wisconsin, as intended, society will see this…