Senator Ballweg (R) on pot in 2023

Rep. Ballweg seemed sympathetic back in 2009 while the Republicans were in the minority under a Dem controlled legislature. 2010 changed as Republicans took control and basically killed everything marijuana related, always. Since then, Rep. Ballweg has really failed on the issue.

During 2019, Assembly Republicans worked on the issue and pre-filed a bill for the 2020 legislative session to create a medical marijuana program in Wisconsin (Assembly Bill 750 / Senate Bill 683) which Rep. Ballweg (R-Markesan) failed to co-sponsor. 

March 2020 Republicans circulated a decriminalization bill for co-sponsorship which she did not co-sponsor.

NOTE: Advisory Referendums on Marijuana in 2018 passed 78% in Marquette County and 80% in Sauk County and Rep. Ballweg Constituent Surveys in 2019 had 73-83% support for marijuana reform.

WHAT NOW?

I recently used the 2023 Make Marijuana a Priority Action Alert to contact Senator Ballweg.

Here was the response I received from her office:

We appreciate you reaching out to our office regarding legalizing marijuana. Senator Ballweg is not in favor of fully legalizing cannabis. However, she recognizes that there are potential health benefits from the plant without the hallucinogenic effects, as evidenced by CBD, but there is still more research to be done. Currently, marijuana is still illegal under federal law. In order for more extensive research to be done on how to make the most out of its medical properties, the federal government would need to act to make this at least a schedule II drug.

As we enter this next legislative session, she will keep your thoughts and support for legalization in mind.

Senator Ballweg is also a member of the powerful JFC (Joint Finance Committee). The Joint Committee on Finance (or Joint Finance Committee, JFC) could be the most important committees of the Wisconsin Legislature. It is responsible for writing the biennial state budget. It has the authority to approve requests for funding, agency position authority, and state lawsuit settlements.

In addition, Ballweg is also the Chair and member of four (4) other committees that are also impacted by the prohibition of marijuana in Wisconsin. After knowing her and dealing with her since 2009 I really have to shake my head at her latest response.

Current Committees

• Committee on Agriculture and Tourism (Chair)
• Committee on Finance
• Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families
• Committee on Universities and Revenue
• Joint Committee on Finance

Senator Ballweg is up for re-election in 2024.

If you have used the Wisconsin Cannabis Action Network Action Network Alerts to contact your Senator and Assembly Representative and received a response, please forward that email or information to WiscoCan@gmail.com Thank you!