MADISON, Wis. — April 20, or 4/20, is widely recognized as a day to highlight efforts to advance reforms to marijuana laws in the U.S. But another session of inaction by Republicans to enact commonsense state reforms means Wisconsinites will spend another 4/20 among the dwindling number of states where medicinal or recreational use of marijuana is not allowed.
“After adjourning the 2026 session of the state legislature only three months into the year and leaving tons of urgent work undone, another year has gone by with Wisconsin Republicans still blocking marijuana legalization that’s supported by an overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites,” said Lucy Ripp, communications director at A Better Wisconsin Together.
The Republican controlled Wisconsin legislature has long blocked commonsense reforms to legalize marijuana, leaving Wisconsinites without the same options they have in neighboring states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois.
In fact, about 50% of Wisconsinites live within an hour drive from a state where marijuana is legal, but it’s not just the Midwest where Wisconsin’s an outlier. Current laws are denying adults the freedom to use marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes, as they can in 40 and 24 other states, respectively.
Ripp noted that not only have Wisconsin Republicans repeatedly blocked marijuana legalization, they recently introduced legislation to make it even harder to safely consume THC in Wisconsin.
A recent GOP authored bill would ban THC beverages and other products that are typically available at grocery stores, even though a recent statewide poll found over two-thirds of Wisconsinites support legalization, and strong support from Republicans and Democrats alike.
“Wisconsin’s marijuana laws aren’t just out of step with other states and public opinion, they’re also costing us money,” Ripp added.
Proposals to legalize marijuana from Governor Evers and Democrats would regulate and tax it, generating over $160 million yearly to pay for things like schools, roads, and public safety.
Based on campaign finance records, money may be a motivator for Republicans on marijuana legalization, but not in a good way.
Some GOP legislators have indicated they are open to reforming Wisconsin’s marijuana laws, but because leaders in the Senate and Assembly who have helped fund GOP campaigns to the tune of $8 million have publicly expressed opposition, these very same lawmakers who previously indicated support vote in lock-step with their anti-reform leadership instead of sticking by their constituents.
These legislators include GOP Representatives Rodriguez, Zimmerman, Novak, Kaufert, and Snyder.
Call your state legislator today at 1-800-362-9472 and tell them to stop the smoke and mirrors and finally legalize marijuana in Wisconsin.
