Some Wisconsin Lawmakers Are Softening on Medical Marijuana

Wisconsin lawmakers are discussing the possibility of allowing medical marijuana as a treatment option for patients in the state. But the state’s governor, Scott Walker, isn’t on board – at least not yet. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos does support medical marijuana and would consider voting for an initiative should one be proposed.

Senator Van Wanggaard is planning to sponsor a bill allowing cannabidiol (CBD) oil, according to Star Tribune. He is supportive of approving a limited medical marijuana program. Lydia’s Law was passed in 2014, which allows medical marijuana dispensing and use when it’s prescribed by a doctor as part of a clinical trial.

Vos said, “If you get a prescription to use an opioid or you get a prescription to use marijuana, to me I think that’s the same thing. I would be open to that.”

Representative Melissa Sargent hopes that those opposing medical marijuana (Walker and Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald) change their minds soon.

Sargent said, “We’re acknowledging in this building that’s pretty hyperpartisan that there are some benefits to this plant.”

The opioid crisis is increasing in the state. Sargent, and other supporters, wonder if approving medical marijuana would be part of the solution to reducing opioid addiction. Polls conducted in June showed that 59-percent of registered voters in the state support recreational marijuana.

In response to those statistics, Sargent said, “We are sent here by our constituents to be their voice.”

Approving just CBD oil, which is non-psychoactive, would be a big step. Several families have voiced their support of medical marijuana; specifically CBD oil to treat their children’s debilitating conditions, such as epilepsy. They, along with other lawmakers, hope to see it available in their state soon. The first step is conducting a medical trial in Wisconsin to provide local proof to lawmakers to prove again that marijuana does have medicinal benefits.