Democrats in Wisconsin are seeking co-sponsors for a comprehensive medical cannabis bill with plans to introduce the legislation this session, the Associated Press reports. The move comes after Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos indicated he would be open to supporting such a measure.
Currently, only CBD use is allowed under the state’s limited medical cannabis program and the regime does not permit growing cannabis within the state which limits access to the drug. Federal law prohibits any cannabis product, including CBD, to be transported across state lines, preventing patients and caregivers in Wisconsin from legally obtaining medicines from nearby states with looser laws.
State Sen. Jon Erpenbach and Rep. Chris Taylor have sent a letter to their respective colleagues asking for their support of the bill, explaining that the public supports medicinal cannabis use and the program would help people suffering with chronic and debilitating illnesses.
However, the proposal would face opposition from Republican Gov. Scott Walker and in the Senate from Republican Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald. Republicans control both the Senate and Assembly, so even if a bill were introduced it would be up to them whether or not to send the bill to committee or hold a hearing on the plan.