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Daniel Acker | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Tony Evers, then Democratic candidate for the governorship of Wisconsin, speaks at a campaign rally for Democratic candidates in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Monday, October 22, 2018.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said on Monday that his budget would include proposals to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use and to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.
The new Democratic governor said it was time for Wisconsin to join more than 30 other states and the District of Columbia to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. The governor, who had previously pleaded for the decriminalization of marijuana, noted that citizens of 16 counties and two Wisconsin cities voted overwhelmingly in non-binding referendums for approval of marijuana for medical purposes.
"As a cancer survivor, I know that the side-effects of a serious illness can make daily tasks difficult." People should not be treated like criminals for having access to a drug they desperately need and that could relieve their suffering, "said the governor.
According to the proposal, a physician or practitioner under the direction of a physician could recommend the use of marijuana for medical purposes to alleviate the symptoms associated with medical conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, trouble post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, nausea and severe seizures.
The proposal would decriminalize the possession, manufacture or distribution of marijuana in amounts equal to or less than 25 grams. The plan would also establish a delisting procedure for those convicted of possession, manufacture or distribution of less than 25 grams of marijuana who have served their sentence or probation.
"It's not just access to health care, it's making the connection between racial disparities and economic inequality," Evers said. "Too many people, often people of color, spend time in our criminal justice system simply to own small amounts of marijuana, which does not make our communities stronger or safer."
Evers also wishes to get rid of the annual doctor certification required for the use of cannabidiol, also called CBD oil, which is used to treat seizures.
It is not clear if the Republican-controlled Legislature will approve the plan. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, a Republican from Juneau, said he was opposed to marijuana for medical purposes and was not sure that such a law could be passed by the chamber. Republican leaders of the state assembly have indicated their willingness to legalize marijuana only for medical purposes.
Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul said he supported the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes to help people cope with the pain and provide the state with new revenue.
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