(File Photo)
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Last legislative session in Madison, Wisconsin lawmakers made a push to legalize medical marijuana.
Earlier this year, a Republican-led plan would have limited medical marijuana only to severely ill people with chronic diseases, such as cancer. That failed to become law, as Democrats believed it was too restrictive.
But now, legislators believe there could be a path forward.
“I am open to that discussion on medical marijuana and I know many in our caucus are as well,” said State Rep. David Steffen, R-Howard.
Republicans hold slimmer majorities in both chambers for this new session, with a 54 to 45 advantage in the Assembly, and 18 to 15 in the Senate.
Some Republican lawmakers believe those smaller majorities would make it more difficult for any marijuana-related bill to pass.
“How do we establish a system, a program, that really does address the identified value of medical marijuana, especially for veterans with PTSD, those dealing with specific medical conditions, while also avoiding opening the Pandora’s box of having rampant medical marijuana abuse,” said Steffen.
“I think this is a relatively benign drug and a relatively safe one as well for people, compared to legal and illegal options that are out there,” said State Senate-elect Jamie Wall, D-Green Bay.
Steffen isn’t so sure that anything could be passed in this next session, as lawmakers remain at odds on how to best regulate medical marijuana.
“There’s an opportunity to maybe move the ball. It’s going to take both parties to find a path forward on it. I don’t know if we’re going to make it this session,” said Steffen.
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