Wisconsin Rep. Darrin Madison (D-10), along with Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-6) and Rep. Andrew Hysell (D-48), today proposed legalization of recreational and medical cannabis.
They said the legislation is partly a response to Congress’ approval of a Trump Administration ban on most hemp-derived products in the most recent Farm Bill. The lawmakers urged Wisconsin to act before November 12, 2026 to "prevent the collapse of a $700 million industry that creates 3,200 jobs in Wisconsin."
Madison said the bill seeks to protect Wisconsin's hemp industry, right a "generational wrong" in Wisconsin’s criminal legal system that has disproportionately targeted Black people for cannabis possession, and re-evaluate of sentences for people convicted on cannabis charges.
According to Marijuana Moment, key points of the bill include legalizing marijuana and hemp THC products for consumers 21 and older while limiting marijuana possession to 2.5 grams of dried flower in a public space, up to five pounds of cannabis flower in a private residence, up to one gram of THC in a cannabis-infused product and up to 15 grams of a cannabis concentrate.
The bill would also create a regulatory body within the state and set varying excise tax rates for producers, processors and consumers.
"Across this country, the cannabis debate is over. Forty states and Washington D.C. have already legalized cannabis in some form. Here in the Midwest, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, and others have all legalized cannabis for adult use. But Wisconsin hasn’t. That leaves us behind the curve of our neighboring states," said Madison in a statement.
