Governor Evers Introduces Legislation to Legalize Recreational and Medical Marijuana in Wisconsin

Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin has announced that he is introducing legislation to legalize the use of recreational and medical marijuana in the state. If passed, the legislation would make Wisconsin the 16th state in the country to legalize recreational marijuana, and the 34th state to legalize medical marijuana.

Governor Evers’ proposal would allow adults over the age of 21 to possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes, and would establish a system for licensed businesses to grow, process, and sell marijuana. The legislation would also create a medical marijuana program for patients with certain qualifying conditions, allowing them to access marijuana for medicinal purposes with a doctor’s recommendation.

One of the main arguments in favor of legalizing marijuana is the potential for significant tax revenue. According to a report by the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the state could generate up to $165 million in annual tax revenue from the sale of recreational marijuana. In addition, the report estimates that the state could bring in an additional $26 million in annual tax revenue from the sale of medical marijuana.

While the legalization of marijuana is a controversial issue, the potential for significant tax revenue has led many states to consider it. If Governor Evers’ legislation is passed, Wisconsin would join a growing list of states that have legalized marijuana in some form, and could potentially see a significant boost in tax revenue as a result.