Wisconsin Republicans relaunch their campaign to legalize medical cannabis

In Wisconsin, the legalization of medical cannabis is back with a vengeance. Republican Senate President, Mary Felzkowski, along with Senator Patrick Testin and Assemblyman Patrick Snyder, introduced a new bill to establish a regulated program for patients with chronic and serious illnesses.

Mrs Felzkowski, who survived cancer and has already fought for similar reforms, presented this initiative as a matter of compassion and fairness.

«A person suffering from a serious illness should not have to choose between traveling to another state or breaking the law so they can try an alternative medication to relieve their suffering,» she said in a press release.

The text of the bill has not yet been made public, leaving it unclear whether it mirrors Ms. Felzkowski's earlier proposal or expands access. The previous version allowed medical recommendations for eight eligible conditions, including cancer, seizure disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and multiple sclerosis. It also banned smokable cannabis and home cultivation, limiting patients to oils, tinctures, capsules and topical preparations.

Balancing access and restrictions

While supporters of the reform see it as a long-awaited measure, the Republican-controlled legislature has repeatedly blocked attempts to move forward on cannabis policy. Felzkowski emphasized that his proposal aims to strike a balance between patient access and public safety, noting that «this is also a chance for small businesses in our state to participate in this market with reasonable regulations on the manufacture and sale of these products.».

Yet Assembly leaders have consistently resisted even strictly cannabis-targeted medical measures. Earlier this year, Felzkowski acknowledged that Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos remained a major obstacle, despite growing public support for reform.

Public support has become increasingly difficult for legislators to ignore. A survey conducted in June by Marquette Law School revealed that two-thirds of Wisconsin residents are in favor of full legalization of cannabis. This survey marks a 17-point increase since 2013.

Support is sharply divided along partisan lines: 88% of Democrats and 79% of independents favor it, compared with just 44% of Republicans. While most Republican voters still oppose legalizing recreational use, the poll suggests that support for medical access is much broader, including in conservative circles.

Political issues ahead

The political landscape adds another layer of complexity. The Democratic governor Tony Evers, fervent supporter of cannabis legalization, will not seek re-election in 2026. Evers has repeatedly tried to insert legalization measures into state budget proposals, but these have been rejected by the Republican majority.

In June, he declared that if Democrats took control of the legislature, Wisconsin could «finally» move forward with legalization and reduce its dependence on neighboring Illinois, where the adult-use market is already thriving.

Republicans, however, aren't ready to let the issue disappear altogether. Some party members acknowledge that medical cannabis «isn't going away», suggesting that a compromise may eventually be found. Republican Party candidates, including one running for governor, have cautiously signaled their openness to «consider different possibilities» for reform.