My take: Should recreational marijuana be legalized in Wisconsin?

In his biennial budget plan, Gov. Tony Evers included a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana use in Wisconsin. However, Republicans like state Sen. Chris Kapenga oppose the idea and have the majority in the Legislature. 

Taking a position

Evers: “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.”

Kapenga: “The governor is adamant we follow science when it comes to COVID-19 but turns a blind eye when it comes to legalizing a drug that has no FDA approval, which all other medicines are subject to. What happened to the honorable goal of keeping the people of Wisconsin and our kids safe?”

Decriminalize

Evers: “I’m particularly tired of seeing our tax dollars going across the border to northern Michigan or Illinois to go buy marijuana. I think the time has come. I hope the Legislature will agree with us.”

Kapenga: “The National Academy of Medicine points to a significant correlation between marijuana and psychosis, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, particularly in teenagers where the risk of developing schizophrenia increases three-fold.”

Full legalization

Evers: “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.”

Kapenga: “The legalization of recreational marijuana is not in the best interest of Wisconsinites. There are serious health issues that need to be understood, and Gov. Evers shouldn’t sacrifice the safety of the people of Wisconsin – particularly our children – in pursuit of the mighty dollar.”