In a rare early Sunday morning announcement, Gov. Tony Evers said he wants to legalize marijuana in Wisconsin.
He revealed his 2021-23 biennial budget that proposed regulating and taxing marijuana like alcohol.
Under the proposal, Wisconsin would join 15 other states, including Michigan and Illinois, in legalizing recreational marijuana.
Evers said his budget proposal will increase revenue, create jobs and reduce criminal justice system costs, while providing a path for those suffering from chronic or debilitating pain and illness to utilize the medicine they require.
“Legalizing and taxing marijuana in Wisconsin — just like we do already with alcohol — ensures a controlled market and safe product are available for both recreational and medicinal users and can open the door for countless opportunities for us to reinvest in our communities and create a more equitable state,” Evers said. “Frankly, red and blue states across the country have moved forward with legalization and there is no reason Wisconsin should be left behind when we know it’s supported by a majority of Wisconsinites.”