MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday that his budget will include proposals to legalize medical marijuana, decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use, establish an expungement procedure for individuals who have completed their sentence or probation for possession, and align Wisconsin’s laws on cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, with federal standards.
Under Evers’ proposal, his medical marijuana program would be regulated and administered through the departments of Health Services and the Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
The governor also would decriminalize possession, manufacturing or distribution of marijuana for amounts of 25 grams or less.
“Too many people, often persons of color, spend time in our criminal justice system just for possessing small amounts of marijuana. That doesn’t make our communities stronger or safer." — Wis. Gov. Tony Evers
Under the governor’s proposal, a physician, or a practitioner under the direction of a physician, can recommend the use of medical marijuana to alleviate symptoms related to medical conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, severe nausea and seizures.
“Too many people, often persons of color, spend time in our criminal justice system just for possessing small amounts of marijuana. That doesn’t make our communities stronger or safer,” Evers said. “This shouldn’t be a Republican issue or Democratic issue, and I look forward to working on both sides of the aisle to pass this proposal in my budget.”
Gov. Tony Evers is proposing to reform Wisconsin's marijuana laws. Which do you support?
— TODAY'S TMJ4 (@tmj4) February 18, 2019
Evers also would align Wisconsin’s laws on cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, with federal standards. CBD oil is made from marijuana and can be used to treat seizures in children. Wisconsin law requires families to possess CBD oil only with yearly certification by a physician. The governor believes that families and individuals should be able to obtain this treatment without additional barriers.
It's unclear if the Republican-controlled Legislature will approve the plan.
