New proposal would create a first-of-its-kind, albeit limited, medical cannabis program
Wisconsin Republicans proposed a plan to legalize non-smokeable cannabis, such as tinctures and edibles, through state-run dispensaries staffed with government-employed pharmacists. The plan would make Wisconsin the first state in the nation to have state-run dispensaries.
“This is where our program is different,” said Rep. Jon Plumer during a press conference. “There will be five dispensaries around the state of Wisconsin, at least to start, and that’s where you will be able to procure this product.”
Plumer added that while the state will handle the retail side of cannabis sales, producers and processors will be independent operators licensed by the state. The program will not generate tax revenue as it is designed to be a “break-even program since it is a medical program,” Plumer said.
“The one thing we heard from other states when we did ask them about their programs is that it can become the Wild Wild West out there and we don’t want that to happen here,” Plumer said.
People with qualifying conditions, which include Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic nausea, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, PTSD and terminal illnesses where the patient has less than a one-year life expectancy, would be able to receive a doctor’s recommendation to access the medical program from one of the five dispensaries. Patients can have up to three caregivers who can pick up and deliver product to them from a state-run dispensary.
“I think particularly for veterans and those suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and so many other horrible effects from wartime, medical cannabis is something that can help not only tens of thousands of veterans but tens of thousands of cancer patients,” Rep. Tony Kurtz said in a press conference.
Plumer is hopeful the bill will pass during the state’s legislative session this spring.