Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers Pushes for Cannabis Legalization in 2025 Legislative Session
As the state of Wisconsin enters a new legislative year, Gov. Tony Evers is advocating for cannabis legalization to be one of the top priorities for the 2025 session. Evers, who has long supported the end of cannabis prohibition, expressed his desire to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state, despite facing significant opposition from the GOP-controlled Legislature.
Currently, cannabis remains illegal in Wisconsin, with only limited medical use permitted. However, several cities, including Madison and Milwaukee, have moved to decriminalize low-level possession, signaling a shift in local attitudes toward cannabis.
Evers’ Legislative Agenda for 2025
During a recent tour, Governor Evers outlined his legislative goals for the upcoming year, placing cannabis legalization second on his list of priorities. At the top of his agenda is expanding the BadgerCare healthcare program for low-income residents, followed by efforts to legalize cannabis. The governor also emphasized other key reforms such as protecting access to reproductive healthcare, advancing common-sense gun safety measures, and investing in education.
Despite his push for cannabis reform, the path to legalization in Wisconsin is uncertain. The state’s GOP-controlled Legislature has consistently opposed cannabis legalization, and with Republicans holding a majority in both chambers, any significant reform in 2025 seems unlikely. However, the governor’s support for cannabis remains steadfast, as he continues to advocate for policy changes that align with the will of many Wisconsinites.
The Challenge of Legalization in Wisconsin
While Gov. Evers is hopeful about advancing cannabis reform, the political landscape in Wisconsin presents significant challenges. The state’s Republican leadership has shown little interest in legalizing cannabis, especially in the context of adult-use programs seen in neighboring states. Given that Republicans continue to hold a legislative majority, cannabis legalization is likely to face continued opposition until after the 2026 elections.
The issue of cannabis legalization has become more pressing in Wisconsin as neighboring Illinois, which has a regulated adult-use cannabis market, continues to see substantial economic benefits. A 2022 report from the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau revealed that Wisconsin residents spent approximately $36.1 million on cannabis products in Illinois, generating significant tax revenue for the state. This data highlights the economic potential of cannabis legalization in Wisconsin, further fueling calls for reform.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
As Wisconsin approaches the 2025 legislative session, the future of cannabis legalization remains uncertain. While Gov. Evers is committed to pushing for cannabis reforms, the political realities of a Republican-controlled Legislature mean that significant changes may not come until after the 2026 elections. However, with growing support for cannabis legalization across the nation, the pressure on state lawmakers to reconsider their stance on cannabis is likely to intensify in the years to come.
For now, the debate in Wisconsin mirrors that of many states across the country, where cannabis legalization remains a contentious issue between political parties and a growing number of citizens who support reform.
