MADISON, WI (WSAU) — How’s this for an 8 AM news dump on Super Bowl Sunday? Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is proposing the legalization and taxation of both recreational and medical marijuana as part of his proposed 2021-2023 state budget.
“Legalizing and taxing marijuana in Wisconsin—just like we do already with alcohol—ensures a controlled market and safe product are available for both recreational and medicinal users and can open the door for countless opportunities for us to reinvest in our communities and create a more equitable state,” said the Democratic Governor in a press release. “Frankly, red and blue states across the country have moved forward with legalization, and there is no reason Wisconsin should be left behind when we know it’s supported by a majority of Wisconsinites.”
The plan would call on the Department of Revenue and Department of Ag, Trade, and Consumer Protection to handle regulation. Recreational marijuana sales would be limited to those over the age of 21. Residents would be limited to possessing .25 ounces of pot at a time or limited to growing six plants at home for personal use. Non-residents would also be limited to having .25 ounces at a given time.
Medical marijuana would not be subject to taxation under the Governor’s plan.
According to Evers, he would propose to tax the sale of pot in the same way alcohol sales are taxed. His office says that would generate an additional $165 million that could be used to support small, rural school districts while also creating a Community Reinvestment Fund.
A 2019 Marquette Law School poll showed nearly 60% of residents support the legalization of recreational pot, and over 80% are ok with legalizing the drug for medical use. If approved Wisconsin would join over a dozen other states that have approved the sale and taxation of recreational marijuana, including neighboring Illinois and Michigan.
The Governor made a similar proposal with the last two-year state budget, but that plan was rejected by lawmakers.
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