Republican leaders of the state Legislature and the Democratic governor are again tackling the issue of marijuana legalization in the new legislative session but familiar divisions persist over an issue that has broad support in Wisconsin but not in the state Capitol.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said in a Sunday interview his caucus would be open to considering legislation this session from the state Assembly to create a medical marijuana program in Wisconsin if Assembly leaders removed their previously proposed idea of establishing state-run dispensaries. But as of December, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he still preferred the proposal.
The Senate leader's position is a starting point for renewed negotiations on the issue of legalizing marijuana use for medicinal purposes that has run into roadblocks in previous sessions largely due to Senate Republicans' opposition to the idea.
"There are members of our caucus who are supportive of medical marijuana. The challenge of the bill that the assembly introduced last (session) was state-run dispensaries," LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said in an appearance on WISN's "UpFront" politics talk show. "Growing the size of government doesn't seem to be the best way to do it."
Read more at Milwaukee Journal Sentinal