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!
Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) announced her plans to host in-district listening sessions on the Wisconsin State Budget.
“This session I’m again serving as a member of the Joint Committee on Finance, and I look forward to working on a budget that is good for all of Wisconsin,” stated Senator Ballweg. “I look forward to talking directly with people from the 14th Senate District so I can learn about what issues they see as a priority for state funding.”
Senator Ballweg will be able to meet with constituents at the locations and times listed below:
Friday, March 24th
9:00am-10:00am
Kilbourn Public Library
-The Community Room-
620 Elm Street
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965
10:30am-11:00am
Adams County UW Extension Office
-Room 103-
569 North Cedar Street, Suite #3
Adams, Wisconsin 53910
Monday, March 27th
9:30am-10:30am
Waupaca City Hall
-Library Meeting Room A&B-
11 South Main Street
Waupaca, Wisconsin 54981
1:00pm-2:00pm
Clintonville Library
-Meeting Room-
75 Hemlock Street
Clintonville, Wisconsin 54929
4:00pm-5:00pm
Ripon Library
-Nash Room-
120 Jefferson Street
Ripon, Wisconsin 54971
Monday, April 10th
9:00am-10:00am
Randolph Village Hall
-Community Room-
248 West Stroud Street
Randolph, Wisconsin 53956
1:00pm-2:00pm
Lodi Public Library
-Program Room-
130 Lodi Street
Lodi, Wisconsin 53555
3:00pm-4:00pm
Portage Public Library
-Bidwell Room-
253 West Edgewater Street
Portage, Wisconsin 53901