A key Republican leader in Wisconsin has hinted at the possibility of passing medical marijuana legislation in 2025. However, he drew a firm line against a state-run dispensary model, setting up potential debates over how the programme might take shape.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu expressed these views during an interview with WISN-TV on Sunday, touching on medical cannabis as one of the critical issues the legislature could tackle in the new session.
GOP Divided on Dispensary Models
LeMahieu acknowledged there’s growing support within the GOP caucus for medical marijuana reform, but concerns linger over the logistics of implementing such a programme. Specifically, he pushed back on a proposal from Assembly Republican leadership last year that included state-operated dispensaries, which he sees as expanding government unnecessarily.
“We have members in our caucus who are supportive of medical marijuana,” he said. “But having state-run dispensaries isn’t the best way forward.”
LeMahieu suggested an alternative approach, proposing that prescriptions and dispensing should occur through doctors and pharmacies rather than a government-run system. He emphasised the need to keep the programme strictly medical, expressing concerns that any legislation should not serve as a “backdoor” to legalising recreational cannabis.
Could 2025 Be the Year for Medical Cannabis?
The majority leader did not rule out the possibility of passing medical marijuana legislation in 2025. While cautious, LeMahieu noted, “I think it’s possible.” Still, he underlined that a state-run model would be a dealbreaker for the Senate GOP caucus.
Despite these comments, LeMahieu admitted he has not yet discussed the issue with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who spearheaded last year’s legislative push. Vos’s proposal included a state-controlled dispensary system, which the Senate appears unlikely to support.
Growing Public Pressure on Cannabis Reform
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, recently proposed giving citizens more power to influence policy through ballot initiatives. Speaking at a press conference, Evers argued that public support for marijuana legalisation—both medical and recreational—warrants action. Yet, he highlighted the legislature’s resistance to such reforms.
Evers’s plan would allow Wisconsin residents to propose new laws or constitutional amendments through binding referendums. This, he believes, could break legislative gridlock on popular issues like cannabis reform.
Polls have shown broad bipartisan support for marijuana legalisation in Wisconsin. Yet, the state remains an outlier in the Midwest, surrounded by neighbours with more progressive cannabis laws.
Legislative History and Road Ahead
Efforts to legalise marijuana in Wisconsin have historically faced stiff resistance in the GOP-controlled legislature. In the past, Evers has included both medical and recreational cannabis legalisation in his budget proposals, only to see them rejected by lawmakers.
The new push for ballot initiatives could be a game-changer if implemented, but it remains unclear whether legislators will embrace the idea. Republicans have consistently dismissed Evers’s cannabis-related budget items, suggesting that public pressure might be the only way forward.
A Fractured Republican Party?
The internal division within Wisconsin’s GOP could play a pivotal role in shaping the debate. While some Republicans are warming to the idea of medical marijuana, disagreements over implementation—particularly regarding state-run dispensaries—highlight deeper ideological splits.
LeMahieu’s comments reflect broader concerns among conservative lawmakers about expanding government involvement. By contrast, proponents of state-run dispensaries argue that such a model could provide a more regulated and equitable system.
- Dispensary Model: GOP leaders are at odds over whether dispensaries should be state-run or privately managed.
- Recreational Concerns: Ensuring medical marijuana legislation doesn’t open the door to full legalisation remains a priority for many Republicans.
- Public Opinion: Widespread support for reform adds pressure on lawmakers to act.
- Governor’s Proposal: The introduction of ballot initiatives could bypass legislative resistance if approved.
What Comes Next?
As Wisconsin’s legislative session ramps up, all eyes will be on the Republican-controlled chambers to see if they can bridge their internal divides on medical marijuana. Meanwhile, Governor Evers’s ballot initiative proposal could create a parallel path for reform, depending on its reception in the legislature.
One thing is certain: the debate over cannabis in Wisconsin is far from over. Whether through legislative compromise or direct voter action, the state appears to be inching closer to some form of legalisation. However, the details—especially regarding how cannabis is distributed—remain a contentious battleground.
