Wisconsin should get with the times and legalize medical marijuana

Is Wisconsin ready to go all-in on marijuana? In his budget proposal to be unveiled this week, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers will call for legalizing medical marijuana, and decriminalizing possession of pot. It is not clear what reception the Governor’s plans will get in the Republican controlled Legislature, but Wisconsin has fallen behind when it comes to medical marijuana. 30 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws allowing people to use medical marijuana. Not a single state has had regrets. None have repealed the law after its passage. And the public overwhelmingly supports legalizing the medical use of marijuana. Last fall, nearly one million voters in Wisconsin said in an advisory referendum they are in favor of medical marijuana. Once again, the politicians are behind the public when it comes to change. Why should those suffering from cancer, or PTSD and others with debilitating conditions be forced to become criminals to access the one drug that can provide them with some relief? Wisconsin may not be ready to join nine other states and take the leap to decriminalization of recreational pot. But when it comes to medical marijuana, Wisconsin should get with the times and work to find relief for those in pain without turning them into lawbreakers.