Assembly Republican lawmakers on Monday unveiled a bill to legalize medical marijuana, but senators from both parties called for further vetting.
The plan would allow Wisconsinites with certain medical conditions, like cancer or a terminal illness, to receive cannabis products from five state-run dispensaries. It would not allow for smokable marijuana.
“We’re at a really strong starting point here,” Rep. Jon Plumer, R-Lodi, said at a Monday press conference.
Under the bill, Wisconsinites seeking cannabis would need written confirmation from a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant that they have a qualifying medical condition. Patients could choose up to three caregivers to purchase and possess the products on their behalf.
The bill would establish an Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation at the Department of Health Services that would operate the five dispensaries, which would employ pharmacists who would consult with patients and recommend dosing.
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection would license cannabis growers, processors and testing laboratories.
“It’s something that I think will help a tremendous number of people in our state,” Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc, said at the press conference.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said the bill will move through the normal legislative process, with committee action, before the full Senate considers it.
“The specific details of the proposal are important and need to be thoroughly vetted before the Senate decides how to proceed,” LeMahieu said in a statement.
Tomahawk GOP Sen. Mary Felzkowski, who has worked on bills legalizing medical marijuana in prior sessions, commended the proposal’s introduction.
But concerns with requiring the state to dispense medical marijuana, rather than private entities, led her “to remain un-involved with this particular legislation.”
“I am a firm believer that private entities, run by those with expertise in this area of medicine, are more efficient and more effective than any government agency,” she said in a statement. “Taking this option off the table is the primary cause of my unease at this time.”
Madison Democratic Sen. Melissa Agard, who has authored bills legalizing both recreational and medical marijuana, noted the proposal would allow just five state-run medical cannabis dispensaries and limit qualifications for receiving a medical card.
“Putting forward an overly restrictive medical cannabis bill does not move our state in the right direction,” she said in a statement. “I will continue to tirelessly advocate for full legalization that will provide the public safety, freedom, opportunity and economic benefit that Wisconsinites deserve.”
Gov. Tony Evers will review the proposal and “looks forward to hearing from Wisconsinites and other stakeholders as the bill moves through the legislative process,” spokeswoman Britt Cudaback said.
Mark Grapentine, chief policy and advocacy officer at the Wisconsin Medical Society, said medical marijuana is a “misnomer” due to a lack of research on its efficacy. It’s often an addictive drug too.
He noted that the federal Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t recommend using cannabis for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, one of the conditions covered by the plan.
“In the psychiatry world, there are conditions where marijuana does not help,” he said. “It hurts a person’s condition. And that gives physicians a lot of pause.”
He added that some cannabis substances have positive impacts, which is why they support the federal government de-scheduling the drug so more research can be done.
Grapentine noted that some parts of the proposal make sense, like a prohibition on smokable marijuana since that can hurt people’s lungs and lead to secondhand smoke exposure.
However, he said that patients seeking medical marijuana and asking doctors to fill out paperwork to receive it could put physicians in the position of having to say no to them, which could hurt their relationship. They’ve asked lawmakers to consider a system where doctors can opt into the program.
This article first appeared in the Wisconsin Health News daily email newsletter. Sign up for your free trial here.