Cannabis Wire

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced on Monday that his budget will include language that could bring cannabis reform, which he’s long supported, to the state.

While Evers has in the past used his budget to call on lawmakers to legalize cannabis for medical and adult use, this new budget language could bring reform on a number of issues that the Republican-controlled legislature opposes by allowing voters to propose measures for the ballot box. Currently, only the legislature can do so.

The proposal, according to Evers’ announcement, “will require the Legislature to create a pathway for Wisconsinites to enshrine the will of the people into state law, including on issues and areas that have long been supported by a majority of Wisconsinites but have been repeatedly rejected by the Republican majority in the Legislature, including legalizing and regulating marijuana, ensuring access to safe and legal abortion, expanding BadgerCare, and enacting commonsense gun safety reform policies, among other critical priorities of statewide importance and support.”

Evers’ announcement highlights that 86% of Wisconsin residents back medical cannabis, while more than 60% back full legalization.