MADISON -- Representative Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) and Senator Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) released a bill Wednesday morning that would create a medical marijuana program in Wisconsin for patients with certain medical conditions:
The bill creates the framework for a program, managed by a newly created Medical Marijuana Regulatory Commission of legislative and gubernatorial appointees, that tightly regulates the cultivation, processing, testing, and dispensing of medical marijuana to ensure patients have legal, safe, and reliable access to a consistent product without breaking the law to obtain it. Under the bill, patients with certain medical conditions would receive medical marijuana recommendations from participating medical professionals, gaining them access to a medical marijuana card through the Commission.
Recent surveys show that a majority of WI citizens wish to have medical marijuana as a viable option for their health care needs. Felzkowski and Bernier believe now is the time to start the conversation.
“The 2018 referendums made it clear that Wisconsinites are asking the Legislature to really look at this issue,” Rep. Felzkowski said. “Each one of us knows someone that has suffered through an illness. Medical marijuana is just another tool in the toolbox to help our suffering loved ones make it through the day with some semblance of normalcy.”
Senator Bernier continued: “With 33 other states leading the way on this, we can and must find a way to make this work in Wisconsin. The medical marijuana program our bill establishes is highly regulated while still creating access to the relief many Wisconsinites need as they deal with continuous pain.”
This legislation is now available for lawmakers to sign on as co-sponsors to indicate support the bill. The authors hope to receive a public hearing in January of next year.
Representative Felzkowski represents the 35th Assembly District which includes portions of Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Shawano Counties.
Senator Bernier represents the 23rd Senate District which includes portions of Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Marathon, Trempealeau, and Wood Counties.
Last Update: Dec 11, 2019 10:11 am CST
