(The Center Square) – There is a lot more talk about growing hemp with the latest attempt to legalize marijuana in Wisconsin.
Democrats at the Wisconsin Capitol this week introduced a plan to legalize both recreational and medical marijuana.
“This bill takes a comprehensive and responsible approach to cannabis in our state,” Rep. Sequanna Taylor, D-Milwaukee, said. “It provides safe and legal access for adults, ensures protections for medical patients, and establishes a clear regulatory system for the production, sale, and testing of cannabis.”
This is not the first time that Democrats in Wisconsin have proposed legalizing marijuana. It has failed every time in the past and is expected to fail this time as well.
The Republicans who control the state legislature continue to oppose full legalization.
But Democrats are taking a slightly different path this time, in hopes to maybe sway some Republican lawmakers.
Hemp farmer Phillip Scott joined Democratic lawmakers at their news conference. He made the case that legal marijuana could help Wisconsin’s hemp crop as well.
“Wisconsin farmers are at a crossroads,” Scott said. “The choice made now will determine if many of us have a future.”
He said many farmers in Wisconsin started growing hemp after the 2018 federal farm bill allowed it. Now, Scott said, Wisconsin’s $700 million hemp farming industry is in trouble because the federal government has changed its mind about hemp.
“These are not speculative businesses. They are working farms. They are family farms,” Scott added.
While hemp farming is getting plenty of attention from Democrats, the focus of their legislation is on allowing people to use marijuana.
Their plan would “allow adults 21 and older to possess cannabis for recreational purposes and licenses individuals and businesses to produce, process, transport, and sell cannabis.”
