Wisconsin lawmakers shoot down governor’s marijuana legalization effort

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature voted to remove medical and adult-use marijuana legalization from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal.

Marijuana legalization was among more than 600 of Evers’ budget proposals killed by the Republican-controlled budget committee, according to the Associated Press.

“Republicans talk a lot about what they’re against but not what they’re for,” Evers said in a statement.

“There are pressing challenges facing our state. Wisconsinites are sick and tired of having a do-nothing Legislature.

“Republicans must get serious about getting things done.”

The budget committee also rejected Evers’ idea to create a process for putting initiatives and referendums on the ballot. Such measures could include marijuana legalization.

In his proposed budget released in February, Evers projected that taxing adult-use cannabis would generate $58.1 million in revenue for fiscal 2026-27 and “growing amounts in future years.”

Last year, a Marquette Law School survey found that 63% of Wisconsin residents favor legalization of marijuana for any purpose, and 83% said they support legalization for medical use.

In 2023, Republican lawmakers rejected Evers’ proposal for adult-use legalization.

Wisconsin is one of nine states without a medical or recreational marijuana market, according to MJBizDaily research.