Wisconsin Republicans Introduce Bill to Legalize Medical Cannabis

Bicameral legislation introduced in Wisconsin this week by some of the state’s top Republican lawmakers seeks to legalize medical cannabis, WISN reports.

The proposal, sponsored by Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R), State Sen. Patrick Testin (R), and State Rep. Patrick Snyder (R), would allow for the licensed cultivation, processing, testing, and retail of medical cannabis products. Patients would require a doctor’s diagnosis to register with the new Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation; qualifying conditions would include cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, and other debilitating conditions.

“Someone who suffers from a serious health condition should not have to make the choice to travel to another state or break the law so they can try an alternative medicine for relief,” Felzkowski said in a press release.

“This legislation is about giving our friends, family members, and neighbors suffering from a chronic illness the freedom to explore another option with their doctor. This is also a chance for small businesses in our state to take part in this market with reasonable regulations on making and selling these products, all while still protecting public safety.” — Felzkowski, in a statement

Previous attempts to legalize medical cannabis in the state this year have failed. Meanwhile, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) tried to include cannabis legalization provisions to boost state funding in his 2025-27 budget proposal, but the GOP-led state budget committee jettisoned the policy.

If the new proposal passes, Wisconsin would become the 41st state to allow access to cannabis medicine.

Wisconsin shares a border with Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, which have legalized adult and medical cannabis use, while its final neighbor, Iowa, has only a minimal medical cannabis program.