Evers’ Budget Proposal Would Legalize Recreational Marijuana

MADISON, WI—Gov. Tony Evers' 2021-23 biennial budget proposes regulating and taxing marijuana much like Wisconsin regulates and taxes alcohol, according to a news release.

The release said legalizing marijuana is expected to generate more than $165 million annually.

Under the proposal, Wisconsin would join 15 other states, including neighboring Michigan and Illinois, in legalizing recreational marijuana.

In 2019, a Marquette University Law Poll found that nearly 60 percent of Wisconsinites support the legalization of marijuana and 83 percent of Wisconsinites support the legalization of medical marijuana.

“Legalizing and taxing marijuana in Wisconsin—just like we do already with alcohol—ensures a controlled market and safe product are available for both recreational and medicinal users and can open the door for countless opportunities for us to reinvest in our communities and create a more equitable state,” said Gov. Evers in a release. “Frankly, red and blue states across the country have moved forward with legalization and there is no reason Wisconsin should be left behind when we know it’s supported by a majority of Wisconsinites.”

The governor proposes setting aside $80 million of the revenue generated by marijuana to reinvest in communities across the state through a new Community Reinvestment Fund.

Under Evers’ plan, buyers would have to be 21 or older to purchase the drug for recreational purposes and 18 or older for medical use. Wisconsin residents could possess at most 2 ounces and six plants for personal use. Out-of-state residents could possess 0.25 ounces at most.

Writing and Reporting from the Associated Press was used for this report.