Wisconsin Bill Legalizes Medical Cannabis

The Wisconsin Legislature introduced a bill to create a locally owned and operated medical cannabis industry in the state. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations, Technology and Consumer Protection. As of October 17, 2019, the Department of Health Services reported 76 vaping cases. The majority of the victims claimed they used black-market THC vaping products. A legal medical cannabis industry would ensure provide state residents with access to lab-tested legal products.

There is significant support among Wisconsin residents for a medical cannabis market. A Marquette Law School poll shows that 83% of residents believe that it should be legal. The strong support may not be enough to move senior political representatives in the state as Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald does not support legalizing medical cannabis.

Patients that suffer from debilitating medical conditions such as severe pain and nausea can qualify to register for an identification card by submitting a written certification from a doctor. Doctors that provide written certifications for medical cannabis may not hold a financial interest in a licensed cannabis business.

Persons interested in starting a medical cannabis business must obtain a license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Under the bill, the DATCP must establish a licensing system for small, local businesses to produce, process and dispense medical cannabis. Applicants must be residents of the state for two years.