GOP State Assembly Speaker Doubts Medical Marijuana Legalization In Wisconsin Unless Lawmakers Reach 'Middle-Ground Consensus'

Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) doesn’t believe medical marijuana legalization in the state has a chance this year.

In a recent interview on “UPFRONT,” Vos pointed out that lawmakers are still divided on the issues. “We’re not that close,” Vos said. “I think it’s unlikely unless we can figure a way to find some middle-ground consensus."

Vos’ comments come on the heels of the state Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R) in which he told “Capital City Sunday” that he thinks the legislation garnered enough support from Senate Republicans to pass, writes WKOW-TV’s.

"I think we have- we might have 17 votes to get medical marijuana across the finish line," LeMahieu said. "Once again, I think Senator Felzkowski is working on that bill with the Assembly."

Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R) also expressed optimism about seeing the bill approved in this Senate session. 

LeMahieu also recently said "Our caucus is getting pretty close on medical marijuana. A lot of our members, who are maybe at a point where they can vote for it now, they just want to make sure it's regulated well," said LeMahieu, who until recently has opposed the idea. "We don't want people going in because their back hurts and getting medical marijuana. It needs to be cancer pain, you know — prescribed."

This is the first time a leader of the Senate Republicans has shown support for the idea, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Growing Support 

According to a poll released in March by the Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee 61% of the respondents favored the legalization of cannabis. The survey found majority support among Republicans, with 51% and independents (60%) and Democrats (75%). The survey represents “the first time we’ve seen a Republican majority in favor,” said Charles Franklin, director of the poll.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) plans to begin negotiating and drafting legislation to legalize marijuana for adults soon. It is projected the new industry could generate $166 million in revenue that Evers wants to use to help fund schools.

"Wisconsinites overwhelmingly support a path toward legalizing and regulating marijuana like we do alcohol while ensuring folks can access the life-saving medication they need. As Gov. Evers indicated on Tuesday, he's looking forward to working together with legislators on both sides of the aisle this session to find common ground on this important issue," Evers' spokesperson recently said in a statement.

Photo: Courtesy of Jeff W via Unslpash