The state of Wisconsin has recently seen a push from lawmakers for cannabis legalization reform, as Governor Tony Evers proposed an amendment to the budget that would have legalized marijuana. Unfortunately, the Republican-led Senate rejected this measure in a 22-11 vote along party lines, as reported by Marijuana Moment.
This decision means that Wisconsin is now lagging behind other states in the Midwest that are enacting progressive policies on cannabis legalization and reaping the economic benefits that come with it. Moreover, personal liberties and freedoms continue to be infringed upon by prohibition, while safety is put at risk due to the prolonged criminalization of cannabis consumption.
Notably, Republicans did not explain or justify their unanimous opposition before voting down the amendment. With this move, Wisconsin missed out on a significant opportunity to legalize marijuana.
Republican Silence Prior to Vote Against Amendment
The stark silence by Republicans before they vote against the cannabis legalization amendment in Wisconsin raises many questions about why they would unanimously oppose a reform that has clear public support and is being implemented across the Midwest.
The exact reasons behind this decision still need to be clarified, as no explanations or justification was given before the party-line vote. This indicates that GOP senators may have voted down the measure without seriously considering it—which is concerning when faced with an issue as crucial as cannabis legalization.
It is now up to state lawmakers to explain why they voted against the amendment and what if any, alternatives they are proposing for legalizing marijuana in Wisconsin.
Impact of Cannabis Prohibition in Wisconsin
The rejection of the cannabis legalization amendment in Wisconsin has several negative impacts on the state and its citizens. First, there is a huge lost opportunity for the economic stimulus that comes with legal cannabis—particularly for small businesses.
Tax revenue from sales of marijuana can be used to support local communities and business owners while providing jobs and more money to public coffers. In addition, prohibition continues to infringe upon personal liberties by criminalizing adults who choose to consume or possess cannabis products.
This only serves to create more obstacles for people who are already disadvantaged and puts them at risk of being incarcerated for engaging in activities that should not be considered illegal. Finally, safety is put at risk due to the prolonged prohibition of marijuana as illicit markets continue to thrive with no oversight or regulation.
This creates an environment where people are more vulnerable to the dangers of drugs like opioids and other illicit substances that can be found in these markets.
Overall, the rejection of Governor Evers’s cannabis amendment by GOP senators without explanation or justification is concerning and stands as a missed opportunity for Wisconsin to join the progressive movement toward marijuana legalization across the Midwest.
The state has much to gain from embracing cannabis reform, including economic stimulus from taxation revenue, personal liberties being restored without criminalization, and improved safety due to regulation and oversight of the market. It is now up to lawmakers to explain why they voted down the amendment and what alternatives they are proposing for legalization in Wisconsin.
Enjoyed that first hit? Come chill with us every week at the Friday Sesh for a freshly packed bowl of the week’s best cannabis news!
