By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
MADISON – State Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk), State Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Schofield) and several other Legislative Republicans, on Wednesday, Jan. 26, introduced legislation that would “legalize and create the framework for medical marijuana use in Wisconsin,” a release from Felzkowski’s office said.
In the release, Felzkowski said she has been focusing on healthcare access during the current policy session.
“To me, a conversation on health care access leads directly to a conversation about medical marijuana,” she stated. “This is a matter of permitting an available, recognized pain alleviation tool to be used by Wisconsinites who are undergoing grueling medical treatments, facing daily chronic suffering, or struggling with the debilitating effects of PTSD.”
Felzkowski said the legislation “lays out the framework for a well-regulated industry that empowers health care providers and patients, all while keeping public safety at the forefront.”
The proposal aims to create a “Medical Marijuana Regulatory Commission” that would be housed under the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, according to the release.
“The Commission will oversee a tightly regulated control structure, administering licenses, enforcing the law, and determining most aspects of the medical marijuana industry in Wisconsin,” the release stated. “Qualified primary care providers will have the option to provide marijuana recommendations to their patients in a liquid, oil, pill, tincture, or topically applied form – tax free to the patient.”
The release said all revenues collected from licensing fees would be allocated to state drug and alcohol abuse, prevention, and treatment programs.
The bill would impose 10% excise tax on wholesalers that sell products to dispensaries.
“Thirty six other states have taken this compassionate, reasoned, and logical step forward, providing Americans with the opportunity to work with their doctors to treat their pain and alleviate their suffering,” Felzkowski stated. “It is long past time for Wisconsin’s government to provide Wisconsinites with this hope for the future.”
In 2019, Felzkowski backed a similar proposal that ultimately stalled.
Governor Tony Evers has previously proposed legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana under the state budget. Republican lawmakers rejected the plans in 2019 and 2021.