2024 Fall Cannabis Activist Sign Up
Signing up to become a cannabis activist is an important first step in helping us move the needle on legal cannabis consumption in Wisconsin.
By signing up you are making a pledge to yourself and the cannabis cause. To do what you can, when you can. To help reform cannabis laws within your cities and towns. As well as making your voices heard at the state and federal levels. We need your voice!
Before you go; please remember to like and follow our Wisconsin Cannabis Activist Network Facebook page. And/or join our private group at Wisconsin Cannabis Activist Network. To stay up to date with the latest cannabis news.
Now let’s get into some background and next steps!
Governor Evers
Last year Governor Evers included regulation of cannabis in his 2023-24 budget for the second time. As expected the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) line vetoed any cannabis provisions from the budget. Thus sending any hope of cannabis legislation to the back of the line.
One way you can help us make cannabis policy a higher priority today. Is by signing our letter-writing campaign to your elected officials to make marijuana a priority. Use it to send a clear message that you support Governor Evers’ plan to legalize cannabis in Wisconsin.
Even though the budget process did not yield any cannabis reform, we have a couple more options in play this legislative session. Legislation has been submitted and committee chairs have not held any public hearings on cannabis reform in the 2023-24 session.
However, we have made gains at the county and municipal levels. Where cities have lowered their fines to $100 or less for simple possession of 10g or less. There is still work to be done at the state level though where change is desperately needed. Resistance to the bills seems to be the municipality compliance feature which triggers members on both sides of the aisle.
Currently, the statistics are showing an increase in simple possession arrests by the Wisconsin State Patrol. While decriminalization efforts seem to have almost completely stalled out.
Decriminalization
This session so far not one Republican Senator has touched the decriminalization bill. And only one Republican Assembly Representative wrote the bill along with three (3) other Democrats.
Two of which have left or are leaving the legislature. It is extremely disappointing that the Republicans again are missing in action on cannabis reform.
In the Democrat’s corner, if the current bill’s compliance feature and wording would change to say “$100 fine or less“, I think it is safe to assume 100% of the Democrats would co-sponsor this bill and probably a few more Republicans would come on board also. But that is just my two cents worth.
The devil is in the details and words do make a difference, in this case, just two of them.
GOP Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana legislation led by Republicans also met resistance from the Democrats and other Republicans. Largely viewed as problematic both in concept and language. The Republican medical cannabis bill author had the privilege of having his own bill sent to his committee. Which he chairs and did not even hold a public hearing on. Shame on Clint Moses!
DEMS Adult Use / Medical Combo bill
Comprehensive adult use (recreational) cannabis and medical marijuana legislation was presented by Democrats in 2023-24. Introduced by 25 (out of 35) Democrat Representatives, while being cosponsored by 10 (out of 11) Democratic Senators. Sends a clear message that the elected body of Democrats supports Governor Evers priority to reform the cannabis laws in Wisconsin.
Evers does more
Governor Evers had received a B+ rating from the National Organization of Marijuana Reform (NORML) during his 2018 Governor campaign. Since then he has morphed into one of the leading Governors in the USA on the issue of cannabis reform.
This is yet another sign that Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) is championing cannabis reform. Comes in the form of a letter to Congressional Leaders, urging them to approve the SAFE Banking Act.
In the past Governor Evers has had to play defense against bad legislation targeting hemp cannabis concentrate consumers, manufacturers, and distributors. He did this by vetoing a 2022 bill Republicans unanimously passed in both their houses.
Governor Evers has also signaled to the Wisconsin Cannabis Activist Network Senior Legislative Advisor that he supports a review or updated version of the 2016 report. “Marijuana in Wisconsin” by the Marijuana Ad Hoc Committee of the Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SCAODA).
Taking yet another approach; Evers held a special session on ballot initiatives. Which would have created a statewide binding referendum process through a constitutional amendment. Allowing voters to file petitions with the Wisconsin Elections Commission. And ultimately hold a vote during a general election to repeal laws, propose new state laws, and any constitutional amendments. Republicans strongly objected and hammered down the gavel in and out.
Governor Evers has now received an A+ rating from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).
What can we do right now?
Of course, it is election time and our current emphasis is on the 2024 Election Coverage. Which features the most competitive Senate and Assembly District races in the upcoming November election. It probably makes sense to get involved with candidates in some way shape or form by helping the friendly and educating the others.
No matter the results of the upcoming election on November 5th. Cannabis reform is going to be an ongoing issue in Wisconsin for years to come.
To address the comprehensive nature of cannabis laws, we need legislators who have sponsored the various bills in past sessions. To work together toward sensible cannabis reform. With their newly elected Senators and Assembly Representatives.
In the event that we end up with a divided government in the 2024-25 legislation session. The official formation of The Wisconsin Cannabis Caucus would be a much-needed first step toward reform. The official establishment of this Caucus will represent the growing, bipartisan support in Wisconsin. And this new caucus can streamline cannabis reform legislation at the state level. While developing and promoting sensible cannabis policy reform. Working to ease the tension between political parties. This is a great talking point with ‘pot’ential candidates while you are out in the field sowing the seeds of reform!
Since a majority of Wisconsinites would love for Governor Evers to call a “Special Session on Cannabis Reform”. And hold a press conference highlighting the Democrats’ and Republicans’ work on the issue; since he has been the leader. It has been very clear that legislation submitted during the 2023-24 session needs immediate attention.
In addition; additional press conferences could be joint efforts with past co-sponsors and candidates who support reform. More importantly; should Republicans in the Senate and Assembly actually hold the special session. They could highlight the GOP version of medical cannabis authored by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. This strategy seems to present a possible win for everyone yet this session.
Till we see some action on their part I have started a petition. Asking Governor Evers to call for a special session; between the Senate and the Assembly. And I need your help in gathering signatures as fast as possible!
More pipe dreams could be realized if the press conferences included the introduction of “The Wisconsin Cannabis Caucus” and its incumbent and candidate supporters.
What a way to get things rolling down in Madison, but you can almost bet Republicans would gavel in and out. During this cannabis special session faster than you can light your joint. Republican friendlies have had a few sessions now to form The Wisconsin Cannabis Caucus with fellow Democrat leaders on the issue. So far no sparks have ignited the flame to fire this issue up enough to even get an “informational only” hearing on the issue. And that needs to change TODAY!
Don’t like state politics?
Another option for YOU is to duplicate what the City of Madison, Monona, and Sturgeon Bay have done. Those cities were able to eliminate or remove all penalties for personal possession of marijuana. This would require you to work with your municipal or county elected leaders. But in the end, you would be able to spur change as a local cannabis activist. Of course, we can always give you the tools to help, but someone like you has to take the lead!
Now is the time for cannabis reform in Wisconsin. Now is the time to move Wisconsin FORWARD on this issue. With your help and assistance as a cannabis activist, WiscoCan!
