Medical marijuana in Wisconsin since 1982

The Therapeutic Cannabis Research Act (TCRA) is not just history.  Then-Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus, a conservative Republican and one-time medical cannabis opponent who became a supporter signed the bill into law on April 15, 1982, and it took effect upon publication by the Secretary of State’s office 28 years ago on April 20, 1982.

961.34 Controlled substances therapeutic research. Upon the request of any practitioner, the controlled substances board shall aid the practitioner in applying for and processing an investigational drug permit for marijuana under 21 USC 355 (i). If the federal food and drug administration issues an investigational drug permit, the controlled substances board shall approve which pharmacies can distribute the marijuana to patients upon written prescription. Only pharmacies located within hospitals are eligible to receive the marijuana for distribution. The controlled substances board shall also approve which practitioners can write prescriptions for the marijuana.

Unfortunately for patients, the Therapeutic Cannabis Research Act (TCRA) was written with the expectation the federal government would supply the medical cannabis.