Wisconsin Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard has announced new legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana for everyone 21 and older.
“Today, [State Representative Darrin Brian Madison Jr.] and I are introducing a bill to fully legalize cannabis for responsible, adult usage in the State of Wisconsin”, Agard said in a social media post. “The people of this state know that antiquated prohibition policies are failing. It’s time to #LegalizeIt in Wisconsin once and for all.”
Agard then said “Folks, the most dangerous thing about cannabis is that it is illegal. Legalizing and taxing cannabis in Wisconsin — just like we already do with alcohol — regulates an already existing illicit market and creates safer communities.”
Representative Agard went on to point out that Wisconsin is surrounded by states that have legalized marijuana.
“Wisconsin is quite literally an island of prohibition and people are spending their hard-earned dollars in our neighboring states”, she said. “It’s time we change that narrative, create opportunity in Wisconsin, and legalize #cannabis.”
Under the proposed law, those 21 and older would be authorized to possess up to five ounces of dried marijuana, and they could grow up to 12 plants. Licensed marijuana retail outlets would be authorized to sell marijuana. There would be a 15% excise tax on marijuana producers and a 10% excise tax on marijuana retailers and lounges, with 60% of tax revenue going to the general fund. Under the proposed law medical marijuana would not be taxed.
According to a legislative report released earlier this year, Wisconsin residents in 2022 spent well over $100 million on marijuana products purchased legally in Illinois, despite marijuana remaining illegal in Wisconsin.
