Why Wisconsin Will Be The Last State To Legalize Marijuana

It's mind-blowing and frustrating for many people. Over 80% of Wisconsinites support legalizing medical marijuana, and almost two-thirds support recreational legalization. Yet, the Badger State won't budge on its cannabis policy. Even worse for cannabis users and hemp businesses is the upcoming federal ban.

The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 was passed in 2018, making it legal to use hemp-derived products federally. However, a bill banning it was snuck in to end the government shutdown. Now, Wisconsites have even fewer options, and it's forcing many people to go to the unregulated and unsafe black market for cannabis.

So what is the holdup in Wisconsin? It's legal across every bordering state. Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois have now all legalized medicinal and recreational marijuana, and the states are seeing millions of dollars in revenue.

The only way Wisconsin cashes in on cannabis is through prosecution.

Right now, the only way for Wisconsin to cash in on this is by punishing and issuing fines to cannabis users in the state, even though many large municipalities have independently voted to decriminalize.

Read More: Comparing Minnesota + Michigan Cannabis Prices

Is The Wisconsin Tavern League To Blame?

Many people point fingers at the powerful Wisconsin Tavern League. The assumption is that they are worried about lower alcohol sales if cannabis is legalized, although research has shown in other states that it isn't true. In my opinion, there are so many Wisconsinites already using cannabis illegally that it wouldn't make a difference. It is so accessible for so many residents; legalization won't affect alcohol sales. Hemp-derived THC drinks are already available in most bars and have been a very popular alternative, especially for younger adults who are increasingly avoiding alcohol.

The Tavern League Says It's Not Their Issue

Wisconsin Watch reports that the Tavern League has never lobbied for or against the legalization, nor have they taken a stance on the subject at all. They say they won't weigh in on the issue because it's not something their members care about. They claim that they are staying out of it because it's not their issue.

What Groups Have Lobbied Against Legalization

Wisconsin Watch identifies three groups that have lobbied directly against legalizing marijuana in Wisconsin. Those are Wisconsin Family Action, Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, and Wisconsin Medical Society.

At This Point, It's More Likely To Be Legalized Federally Before Wisconsin

Legalization has been introduced several times, but it's never gotten very far at all. The Wisconsin Republican controlled legislature continues to vote to remove any legalization from Governor Tony Evers' budget.  

With marijuana being changed to a schedule III drug, it opens doors for more medical testing and studying, which hopefully will provide enough data to satisfy the Wisconsin Medical Society and others to understand the medicinal benefits of cannabis.

With zero traction over the years on legalization, despite all neighboring states legalizing it, it's more likely the US Government would legalize it before Wisconsin would. But, in the current state of everything going on, it's definitely not a priority.