WI: State Shouldn't 'Wait And See' On Marijuana

Ron Strider

Well-Known Member
A recurring refrain of Wisconsin cannabis legalization opponents is the "wait and see" approach heard across the political spectrum from state Sen. Roger Roth, R-Appleton, on the right to former Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz on the left.

Responding to the introduction of a bill from Rep. Melissa Sargent, D-Madison, to legalize cannabis, Sen. Roth told a Green Bay TV station, "I don't think we should have the conversation until 2025." Cieslewicz, writing in the Isthmus, echoed Roth, saying, "I just think we should allow a lot more states to go first."

Generations of Wisconsinites have suffered and died needlessly due to cannabis prohibition. They've been arrested, locked up, given criminal records for tiny amounts of pot, with minorities bearing the brunt.

They're being prescribed hazardous medications that could be safely replaced with cannabis. They're dying at record numbers from opiate overdoses. Scientists have found states with legal cannabis have lower rates of opiate abuse and overdoses.

As a state with seven cities on the top 10 drunkest cities list, Wisconsin could benefit from a non-toxic substitute such as cannabis that is well-documented as helping to reduce or eliminate alcohol use.

What's most galling is that, while majorities of Wisconsinites support legalization, any debate has been snuffed by legislative leaders, who will not allow public hearings. An advisory referendum on medical cannabis for the November 2018 ballot continues to be stonewalled by Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau.

Beer_and_Grass_-_Getty_Images.jpg


News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: State shouldn't 'wait and see' on marijuana -- Gary Storck | Opinion | host.madison.com
Author: Gary Storck
Contact: Contact Us | host.madison.com
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Website: Wisconsin State Journal | host.madison.com
 
Back
Top Bottom