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Medical marijuana bill doesn’t go nearly far enough

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Many lawmakers in Madison have been pushing for years for the legalization of marijuana. Finally, Assembly Republicans have introduced a bill that would legalize the use of medicinal marijuana. But only under very certain conditions. After refusing to walk, they are only willing to take baby steps. Under the plan, those with certain chronic illnesses, like cancer, would be able to legally purchase products containing THC at a dispensary in Wisconsin. Edibles, oils creams and patches would be allowed for medicinal use. No smokable form of pot would be allowed. There would be five dispensaries scattered throughout the state, and all would be run by the state. They are missing the boat. This medical marijuana bill, if approved, would be the most restrictive medical marijuana law in the country. Why make patients jump through so many hoops? They are treating this like it is a morality issue, not a medical issue. Why should, say, veterans with PTSD have to drive to Madison or Milwaukee to get a drug their doctors have approved to treat their symptoms?  And why on earth do these lawmakers think the state could run dispensaries better than private entities? It is good to see lawmakers finally willing to consider legalizing pot for medicinal use, but this bill is flawed, and doesn’t go nearly far enough.

Scott Robert Shaw serves as WIZM Program Director and News Director, and delivers the morning news on WKTY, Z-93 and 95.7 The Rock. Scott has been at Mid-West Family La Crosse since 1989, and authors Wisconsin's only daily radio editorial, "As I See It" heard on WIZM each weekday morning and afternoon.

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5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. Brian Kelly

    January 10, 2024 at 8:16 am

    What we certainly don’t need are anymore people who feel justified in appointing themselves to be self-deputized morality police.

    We are very capable of choosing for ourselves if we want to consume cannabis, a far less dangerous choice over alcohol, and we definitely don’t need anyone dictating how we should live our own lives.

    We can’t just lock up everyone who does things prohibitionists don’t personally approve of.

    It’s time for us, the majority of The People to take back control of our national cannabis policy. By voting OUT of office any and all politicians who very publicly and vocally admit to having an anti-cannabis, prohibitionist agenda! Time to vote’em all OUT of office. Period. Plain and simple.

    Politicians who continue to demonize Cannabis, Corrupt Law Enforcement Officials who prefer to ruin peoples lives over Cannabis possession rather than solve real crimes who fund their departments toys and salaries with monies acquired through cannabis home raids, seizures and forfeitures, and so-called “Addiction Specialists” who make their income off of the judicial misfortunes of our citizens who choose cannabis, – Your actions go against The Will of The People and Your Days In Office Are Numbered! Find new careers before you don’t have one.

    The People have spoken! Get on-board with Cannabis Legalization Nationwide, or be left behind and find new careers. Your choice.

  2. Jimmy Young

    January 10, 2024 at 2:05 pm

    This is just another example of the practice of all levels in government to make this process, decriminalization of cannabis, as difficult as possible to be in business, stay in business, and be compliant with the amount of regulations. No legislators should be allowed to make laws until they pass some educational course on the science and research that has driven this current movement to change the laws. I’m with Brian, vote them out of office! 70% of Americans want legalization and more than half of the USA over 21 have legal access. I am more in favor of “normalization” about this plant medicine than “legalization” because that process will include lawyers and politicians who are clueless. (Not all, but many still treat this plant like a “necessary evil weed!)

  3. Clyde

    January 10, 2024 at 3:02 pm

    When is the governor going to sign the Republican bill to eliminate income tax for most retirees?

  4. Walden

    January 10, 2024 at 11:37 pm

    We should do it like Illinois. That is, let it be sold everywhere and tax the heck out of it so that its cheaper to buy it illicitly. It works for Illinois, right?

  5. Walden

    January 11, 2024 at 12:57 am

    Fearless Leader Biden has encouraged the shipment of enough fentanyl into this country to kill 100,000 people annually, including dozens in the La Crosse area. The devastation of the country’s standard of living and overdose deaths is staggering.

    Has the difficulty in obtaining marijuana killed anyone?

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