Recreational marijuana has been legalized across nearly half the U.S., with efforts currently underway in other states.
But, that’s not the case in Wisconsin.
Nearly every neighboring state — minus Iowa — has legalized marijuana, but the Badger State hasn’t made much progress on the issue, despite widespread voter support.
Some Republicans have voiced their support for a restrictive medical-use program, but legislation hasn’t been introduced in the current legislative session.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin called the state an “outlier” for its lack of legalization in a Jan. 17 report, adding that residents “spent $121 million in 2022 on cannabis sales in neighboring Illinois,” which added an estimated $36 million to Illinois tax revenue.
Here’s what to know about marijuana in Wisconsin:
Has Wisconsin legalized recreational marijuana?
No, recreational marijuana is not legal in Wisconsin.
Does Wisconsin allow marijuana medically?
No, medicinal marijuana is not legal in Wisconsin.
However, former Gov. Scott Walker signed a law in 2014 that exempts seizure disorder patients from criminal penalty for the possession and use of cannabidiol, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.
The law was expanded in 2017 to patients of any medical condition to use CBD without penalty.
What states have legalized recreational marijuana?
Here are the 24 states that have legalized marijuana, according to U.S. News and World Report:
Hope Karnopp and Vanessa Countryman contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana. Is Wisconsin one of them?
Reporting by Cailey Gleeson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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