Politics
Wisconsin Democratic Candidates For Governor Call For Marijuana Legalization
“Wisconsin is falling behind. Legalizing marijuana is about fairness, growth, and common sense.”
By Benjamin Yount, The Center Square
There was lots of pot talk on social media in Wisconsin on Monday.
A number of Democrats, including two of the leading candidates for governor, took to X to push for legal marijuana on 4/20.
“It’s about time Wisconsin legalizes marijuana. Illinois got $36 million dollars in tax revenue from Wisconsinites in one year – we are giving our neighbors millions every year by not legalizing,” former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said in a post. “Happy 4/20, please enjoy responsibly!”
4/20, celebrated on April 20th, is the unofficial holiday for marijuana.
Barnes was not the only one who took to X to push for full legalization in Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin is one of the last states without a real cannabis program, and we’re handing our neighbors millions every year because of it,” Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, said in a post. “My Weed for Speed policy sets us up for smart legalization and puts the revenue into rural broadband. We’ll build it right and repair the damage from decades of criminalization.”
Hong and Barnes are the frontrunners in Wisconsin’s Democratic race for governor.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is also running for governor, also took to X to show his support for legal marijuana.
“Wisconsin is falling behind. Legalizing marijuana is about fairness, growth, and common sense. Outdated laws hurt communities and waste resources,” Crowley said. “As governor, I will legalize it and invest the revenue in schools, infrastructure, and small businesses.”
Almost every Republican in Wisconsin was silent about Monday’s push for legalized pot, but Republicans at the Capitol have fought full legalization for years.
The only Republican who spoke up on X on Monday was the head of the St. Croix Valley Young Republicans, who pushed back on the statement from Madison’s Democratic Socialist candidate for the Assembly who said Wisconsin needs to join most of its neighbors and legalize marijuana.
“”No, Wisconsinites shouldn’t have to drive to Illinois or Michigan to buy weed,” DSA candidate Juliana Bennet said on X.
“Actually, they should,” said Brady Penfield.
This story was first published by The Center Square.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
