The GOP-controlled Wisconsin Legislature has once again blocked progress on marijuana reform, removing both medical and adult-use legalization from Governor Tony Evers’ latest budget proposal.
The decision came as part of a sweeping rejection of over 600 provisions from Evers’ plan by the Republican-led Joint Finance Committee, according to the Associated Press. Cannabis legalization—backed by 62% of statewide voters according to polling and projected to bring in over $58 million in annual tax revenue—was among the casualties.
“Republicans talk a lot about what they’re against but not what they’re for,” Governor Evers said in a statement after the vote. “Wisconsinites are sick and tired of having a do-nothing Legislature.”
The committee also struck down Evers’ push to create a pathway for ballot initiatives and referendums—an avenue that could have given voters the power to decide on cannabis policy directly.
Despite strong public support, Republican lawmakers have repeatedly stalled reform efforts. Last year, they rejected a similar adult-use proposal from the governor.
