Wisconsin legislation that would establish a tightly regulated medical cannabis program, introduced by Senate President Mary Felzkowski and Senator Patrick Testin, passed the Senate Health Committee today 4 to 1.

The proposal outlines a tightly controlled system allowing patients with serious conditions to access non-smokable marijuana products through licensed dispensaries. Eligible conditions would include cancer, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, epilepsy, glaucoma, severe chronic pain, muscle spasms, chronic nausea, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Tourette syndrome, chronic tic disorders, and terminal illnesses.

Smoking marijuana would remain illegal, and home cultivation would not be allowed. Patients would be limited to products such as oils, tinctures, edibles, pills, concentrates, patches, vapors, liquids, topicals, gels and nebulized forms.

Patients could register with the state and designate up to three caregivers to obtain products on their behalf. Registrations would last two years with a $20 annual fee. Possession would be limited to a patient’s residence or travel to and from a dispensary, with a $25 civil fine for violations or failing to carry a registry card.

Dispensaries would be required to employ pharmacists to consult with patients and recommend dosages. First-time patients could receive up to a 30-day supply, and subsequent visits up to a 90-day supply. Participation would also be tracked through the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

The bill includes housing and parental rights protections for patients and caregivers but allows employers to refuse to hire or terminate workers based on medical marijuana use. Products would be exempt from sales taxes.

Oversight would be split between a new Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation under the Department of Health Services and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, which would regulate cultivation, processing and testing. Local governments would not be allowed to zone out medical marijuana businesses.

Despite clearing committee, the bill’s future in the Assembly is uncertain. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has said the proposal is too broad to pass his chamber and that there are not currently enough votes to advance even a medical marijuana measure.