Is Medical Marijuana Coming to Wisconsin? Lawmakers Are Hopeful

Medical marijuana has been a long-debated topic in Wisconsin, with lawmakers and advocates pushing for legalization in a state that remains one of the few without any form of legal marijuana access. 

While neighboring states have already established medical and even recreational marijuana programs, Wisconsin continues to lag behind. However, recent discussions and legislative proposals have sparked hope that medical marijuana may finally become a reality for patients in need.

Where Does Wisconsin Stand on Medical Marijuana?

As of now, Wisconsin does not have a medical marijuana program. Unlike its neighbors, Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan, where medical marijuana has been legal for years, Wisconsin has been slow to embrace change. Patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and other conditions have had to look elsewhere for relief, either through unregulated hemp-derived products or by traveling across state lines.

Governor Tony Evers has been a strong proponent of legalizing marijuana, including it in his budget proposals multiple times. However, his efforts have consistently faced opposition from the Republican-controlled legislature, preventing any meaningful progress.

Recent Legislative Efforts to Legalize Medical Marijuana

Several bills have been introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature aiming to legalize and regulate medical marijuana. The most recent proposals include:

• Governor Evers’ Budget Proposal

  • Governor Tony Evers once again included marijuana legalization in his biennial budget request. His proposal seeks to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana, similar to the state’s alcohol industry. While the primary focus has been on full legalization, the governor has stated he would support a more limited medical marijuana program if that were the only option legislators would approve.

    
    

• Bipartisan Support for Medical Marijuana

  • Despite the longstanding opposition from conservative lawmakers, there is growing bipartisan support for medical marijuana in Wisconsin. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu has suggested that medical marijuana could be considered in 2025, although Assembly Speaker Robin Vos remains a significant obstacle to progress.

    
    

• A Conservative Medical Marijuana Proposal

  • Some Republican lawmakers have proposed a limited medical marijuana program with tight restrictions. Their plan would allow only select medical conditions to qualify and would impose state-run dispensaries rather than a free-market system. While this is a step forward, many advocates argue that the plan is too restrictive and would not meet patient needs effectively.

    
    

Why Medical Marijuana Is the Right Choice for Wisconsin

For many Wisconsin residents, medical marijuana offers a safe, effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, severe nausea, and mental health conditions have found relief in states where it is legal, yet Wisconsin patients are left without access.

With the state’s ongoing opioid crisis, the need for safer pain management options is greater than ever. Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce opioid dependence in states with established programs, offering a non-addictive alternative for chronic pain relief.

Beyond health benefits, legalizing medical marijuana would bring economic and social advantages. In 2022, Wisconsin residents spent over $121 million on marijuana in Illinois, generating $36 million in tax revenue for Illinois instead of Wisconsin. Legalization would create jobs, generate millions in tax revenue, reduce marijuana-related arrests, and keep patients from crossing state lines for treatment.

What’s Next for Wisconsin’s Medical Marijuana Efforts?

Unfortunately progress has been slow, momentum for medical marijuana legalization in Wisconsin is growing. Lawmakers continue debating proposals, with 2025 seen as a potential turning point. Advocates hope bipartisan support will push legislation forward, especially as nearly two-thirds of Wisconsin residents support legalization. Public pressure through calls to legislators, attending hearings, and advocacy efforts will be key in moving legislation forward.

While full legalization remains unlikely in the short term, a compromise medical marijuana program could pass in 2025. This might include tight regulations on dispensaries, qualifying conditions, and product forms, ensuring safe, state-regulated access for patients.

Though Wisconsin’s medical marijuana program is not yet operational, patients, advocates, and businesses should start preparing now. Staying informed on legislative updates, discussing options with doctors, and advocating for change can help push legalization forward. Entrepreneurs should also watch for future business and licensing opportunities, as demand for dispensaries and medical marijuana services will grow rapidly if the program is approved.

Hope for Medical Marijuana in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin has not yet legalized medical marijuana, the conversation is shifting in favor of reform. Governor Evers and other lawmakers continue to push for change, and bipartisan support for a medical program is growing.

If legislative efforts continue, Wisconsin could see medical marijuana legalization in 2025 or shortly thereafter. For now, patients and advocates must remain engaged, informed, and vocal to ensure Wisconsin finally joins the majority of states in offering legal medical marijuana to those who need it most.

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in Wisconsin

Although medical marijuana is not yet legal in the State of Wisconsin, it will be soon! We are hopeful that progress will be made this upcoming session. In the meantime, contact your lawmakers and let them know you want medical marijuana in Wisconsin to help the process along!

Marijuana is a natural alternative medicine that has been in use for thousands of years for a variety of medical conditions and their symptoms. If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you will qualify for your medical card.

You should be ready for medical marijuana to come to Wisconsin. In order to do this, you can reserve an appointment with us today and we will schedule an appointment for you just as soon as the state’s medical program becomes operational.

You’ll meet with your new doctor virtually, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer for a telemedicine appointment. Together you’ll discuss your conditions, whether you qualify for a Wisconsin Marijuana Card, and what medical marijuana might be able to do for you, all without even leaving your home! And you’ll even save $25 off the cost of your evaluation!

In the meantime, check back to our blogs and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Wisconsin’s program! It is so important to stay informed on this issue if you are hoping to get your medical card as soon as possible.

The wait is almost over! We hope to see you soon!