Marijuana buds are shown at Huron View Provisioning in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Thursday, January 28, 2021. The first year of state-licensed recreational marijuana sales in Michigan saw $ 511 million in recreational sales and $ 474 million in medical sales, generating more than $ 100 million in tax revenue, but the state also found that the industry has failed dramatically to attract owners of minority companies.
MADISON, Wisconsin – Governor Tony Evers proposed legalizing recreational marijuana use as part of his 2021-23 biennial budget.
Taxes on marijuana sales are expected to generate more than $ 165 million each year, starting in the second year of Evers’ biennial budget. Evers’ proposal includes setting aside $ 80 million in revenue generated to invest in communities across Wisconsin through a Community Reinvestment Fund.
“Legalizing and taxing marijuana in Wisconsin – as we already do with alcohol – ensures a controlled market and a safe product available for recreational and medicinal users and can open the door to countless opportunities to reinvest in our communities and create a fair state” said Evers. “Frankly, the red and blue states across the country have moved forward with legalization and there is no reason why Wisconsin should be left behind when we know it is supported by the majority of Wisconsin residents.
The fund would provide $ 30 million in capital grants through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Department of Administration and the Department of Children and Families. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation would receive $ 5 million in funding for underserved communities. More than $ 34 million would go to support small rural school districts.
Any remaining funds would be allocated to the general state fund.
Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) expressed support for Evers ‘proposal, saying she is “thrilled” to be included in Evers’ latest budget.
“The most dangerous thing about cannabis in Wisconsin is that it is illegal. This is the right time to legalize and tax marijuana use in Wisconsin as we already do with alcohol. I am thrilled that Governor Evers has included this measure in his budget, ”said Agard. “At a time when we need to increase the state’s additional revenue, this is the fiscally responsible decision for Wisconsin. At a time when we need to deal with our flagrant racial disparities, this is the moral decision for Wisconsin. And at a time when our farming community needs a boost, this is the right state decision for Wisconsin. “
A 2019 survey by Marquette University Law School found that nearly 60% of Wisconsin residents support the legalization of recreational marijuana use. About 83% of Wisconsin residents support the legalization of medical marijuana.
If legalized, marijuana would be taxed and regulated by the Department of Revenue and the Department of Agriculture, Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Individuals would need to be 21 years of age to purchase the substance. The proposal also includes a way for medical marijuana users to buy the substance without paying retail tax.
Wisconsin residents would be limited to buying and possessing no more than 60 grams of marijuana and six plants for personal use, according to a press release. Non-residents could carry up to a quarter of an ounce of marijuana.
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