Wisconsin remains one of the last states in the country without legal medical or recreational marijuana, despite growing public support and pressure from surrounding states. While neighboring Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota have established legal marijuana markets, Wisconsin continues to lag behind, leaving residents with limited options and forcing many to travel across state lines to purchase marijuana legally.
Although Wisconsin lawmakers have debated marijuana reform for years, the state has yet to pass medical marijuana legislation, despite polls showing that the vast majority of Wisconsinites support legalization. So, where does marijuana policy in Wisconsin currently stand, and what might the future hold?
No Medical Marijuana Yet, But Change May Be Coming
Unlike its neighbors, Wisconsin has yet to legalize medical marijuana, despite bipartisan discussions and multiple proposals in the state legislature. Currently, hemp-derived products such as CBD, Delta-8, and THC-A are legal, but full-strength marijuana remains illegal for both medical and recreational use.
Governor Tony Evers has repeatedly pushed for marijuana legalization, including medical marijuana, in his state budget proposals. Republican lawmakers have consistently removed those provisions, preventing any progress. This has left patients suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, and other conditions without legal access to medical marijuana in Wisconsin.
What’s Holding Wisconsin Back?
Wisconsin's path to marijuana legalization remains complicated by a divided legislature. While some Republican lawmakers support medical marijuana, there is strong opposition to full legalization. Assembly Republicans have proposed a state-run dispensary model for medical marijuana, but Senate Republicans oppose it, arguing that it would be an unnecessary expansion of government.
Another major hurdle is Wisconsin’s lack of ballot referendums. Unlike many other states where voters can directly place initiatives on the ballot, Wisconsin requires all marijuana reforms to go through the state legislature. This makes bipartisan agreement essential, further slowing progress.
Additionally, opposition from key lawmakers continues to stall legalization efforts. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos remains firmly against recreational marijuana legalization, making it unlikely that any major changes will happen soon.
Despite these obstacles, Wisconsin lawmakers are expected to continue debating medical marijuana during the 2025-2026 legislative session, with new proposals likely to emerge. Whether these efforts will finally push Wisconsin toward legalization remains to be seen.
Public Support for Marijuana Legalization Continues to Grow
Polling consistently shows that Wisconsin residents overwhelmingly support marijuana legalization, particularly for medical use. A 2024 Marquette Law School poll found that:
86% of Wisconsinites support legalizing medical marijuana.
63% support recreational marijuana legalization.
Even among Republicans, support for medical marijuana is high, with 78% in favor. Despite this overwhelming public backing, lawmakers have yet to take meaningful action to create a legal marijuana program.
Wisconsin’s refusal to legalize marijuana is not only out of step with national trends, but it is also costing the state millions in potential tax revenue.
How Wisconsin’s Marijuana Laws Compare to Neighboring States
Wisconsin is surrounded by states that have already embraced marijuana legalization in some form. This has created a legal gray area where many Wisconsin residents cross state lines to buy marijuana legally, only to bring it back home where it remains illegal.
Illinois
Legalized recreational marijuana in 2020.
Generated $445 million in tax revenue in 2022.
Wisconsin residents spent $121 million on marijuana in Illinois in 2022, contributing approximately $36 million to Illinois tax revenue.
Michigan
Legalized medical marijuana in 2008 and recreational marijuana in 2018.
One of the most accessible marijuana markets in the Midwest with dispensaries throughout the state.
Minnesota
Legalized medical marijuana in 2014 and recreational marijuana in 2023.
Expanding dispensary access as the state rolls out full recreational sales.
The fact that Wisconsin residents are helping fund Illinois' marijuana program through purchases made across state lines has led many to question why Wisconsin is not taking advantage of this potential revenue stream.
Why Wisconsin Needs Medical Marijuana
While the debate over recreational marijuana continues, Wisconsin should, at the very least, establish a regulated medical marijuana program. Many residents suffering from chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, and PTSD currently have no legal access to marijuana for medical treatment, forcing them to either suffer without relief or turn to illegal sources. A regulated medical marijuana program would provide safe, lab-tested products under doctor supervision, ensuring patients receive the care they need legally.
Beyond patient access, medical marijuana could help reduce opioid dependence. States with medical marijuana programs have seen a decline in opioid prescriptions and overdoses, as marijuana offers a safer alternative for managing chronic pain without the risk of addiction.
There are also economic benefits to legalizing medical marijuana. States with established programs generate millions in tax revenue, funding essential services such as education, infrastructure, and public safety. Meanwhile, Wisconsin is losing tax dollars to neighboring states like Illinois and Michigan, where residents legally purchase marijuana, contributing to out-of-state economies instead of their own.
Additionally, criminalization for minor marijuana possession disproportionately affects Black residents in Wisconsin, who are 5.29 times more likely to be arrested than white residents, despite similar usage rates. Legalizing medical marijuana would reduce unnecessary arrests, allowing law enforcement to focus on serious crimes instead of low-level possession charges.
What’s Next for Wisconsin’s Marijuana Laws?
While medical marijuana legalization has repeatedly failed in past legislative sessions, 2025 could bring renewed efforts to establish a program. Governor Tony Evers remains a strong advocate for legalization, and public pressure continues to grow, increasing the likelihood of meaningful policy discussions.
Lawmakers may introduce new legislative proposals, potentially compromising on a bill that legalizes medical marijuana with strict regulations, such as state-run dispensaries. Additionally, public awareness and advocacy efforts from grassroots organizations and medical professionals could intensify pressure on legislators to act.
Some Republican lawmakers support incremental reforms, such as decriminalization and limited medical access, which could serve as a stepping stone toward full legalization. While full recreational legalization remains unlikely in the near future, there is hope that Wisconsin could finally establish a medical marijuana program in the coming years.
Will Wisconsin Finally Catch Up?
Wisconsin remains one of the few states without legal medical or recreational marijuana, despite strong public support and economic benefits. As surrounding states continue to expand their marijuana programs, Wisconsin lawmakers must decide whether to continue resisting change or finally bring the state in line with the rest of the country.
At the very least, legalizing medical marijuana should be a priority, as it would provide patients with safe, legal treatment options, generate millions in tax revenue, and reduce unnecessary criminal charges for minor marijuana possession.
While the path to legalization remains uncertain, public pressure, economic incentives, and changing attitudes among lawmakers suggest that Wisconsin’s stance on marijuana could change in the near future. Until then, Wisconsin residents will continue looking to neighboring states for access to legal marijuana, and Wisconsin will keep losing out on the benefits.
Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in Wisconsin
Although medical marijuana is not yet legal in the State of Wisconsin, it will be soon! We are hopeful that progress will be made this upcoming session. In the meantime, contact your lawmakers and let them know you want medical marijuana in Wisconsin to help the process along!
Marijuana is a natural alternative medicine that has been in use for thousands of years for a variety of medical conditions and their symptoms. If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you will qualify for your medical card.
You should be ready for medical marijuana to come to Wisconsin. In order to do this, you can reserve an appointment with us today and we will schedule an appointment for you just as soon as the state’s medical program becomes operational.
You’ll meet with your new doctor virtually, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer for a telemedicine appointment. Together you’ll discuss your conditions, whether you qualify for a Wisconsin Marijuana Card, and what medical marijuana might be able to do for you, all without even leaving your home! And you’ll even save $25 off the cost of your evaluation!
In the meantime, check back to our blogs and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Wisconsin’s program! It is so important to stay informed on this issue if you are hoping to get your medical card as soon as possible.
The wait is almost over! We hope to see you soon!
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