Governor Tony Evers is pushing a new legislative package for Wisconsin adult-use marijuana legalization through Assembly Bill 50 and Senate Bill 45. The proposal includes a dual-tax structure with 15% wholesale and 10% retail excise taxes, while allowing residents to possess up to 2 ounces and grow six plants per household. The plan also emphasizes criminal justice reform through record expungement and social equity measures, reflecting broader shifts in cannabis policy.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Evers introduces new legislative package for Wisconsin adult-use marijuana legalization through Assembly Bill 50 and Senate Bill 45.
- The proposal establishes a 15% wholesale and 10% retail excise tax structure for cannabis sales in Wisconsin.
- Adults 21 and older would be allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and grow six plants per household.
- The legislation includes automatic review and expungement processes for past marijuana-related convictions.
- The plan incorporates social equity measures in licensing to address historical disparities in cannabis law enforcement.
The Legislative Push for Adult-Use Cannabis in Wisconsin
As Wisconsin grapples with its status as one of the few remaining states without legal cannabis, Democratic Governor Tony Evers has introduced a thorough legislative package to establish an adult-use marijuana market.
The proposal, consisting of Assembly Bill 50 and Senate Bill 45, aims to regulate cannabis similarly to alcohol, reflecting shifting public opinion on marijuana policy.
The legislation includes provisions for both retail sales and home cultivation, with potential economic impact through a combined 25% tax structure.
Despite previous failed attempts and Republican opposition, Evers’ inclusion of the measure in his 2025-27 budget plan signals continued momentum for cannabis reform.
Tax Structure and Home Cultivation Details
Under the proposed legislation, Wisconsin’s adult-use cannabis program would establish a dual-tax structure, combining a 15% wholesale excise tax with a 10% retail excise tax on cannabis products.
The tax implications would generate revenue while maintaining competitive market pricing in comparison to neighboring states.
The cultivation regulations outline specific possession limits, allowing Wisconsin residents aged 21 and older to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana, while non-residents would be restricted to a quarter ounce.
The proposal also permits home cultivation of up to six plants, enabling residents to grow their own cannabis within regulated parameters.
Criminal Justice Reform and Social Equity Measures
The proposed legislation’s criminal justice reforms address historical inequities through thorough record expungement and sentence review provisions.
The expungement process aims to clear marijuana-related convictions, offering a path forward for those previously impacted by cannabis laws. Social justice measures are central to the reform package, though specific implementation details remain under development.
- Automatic review of past marijuana-related convictions
- Expungement opportunities for eligible cases
- Focus on communities disproportionately affected by previous enforcement
- Integration of social equity considerations in licensing structure
The reforms reflect growing recognition that marijuana legalization must address past enforcement disparities while creating an equitable structure for the future cannabis industry in Wisconsin.
Conclusion
Governor Evers’ latest cannabis legalization effort represents a significant policy shift, proposing a dual-tax structure and home cultivation rights. While the legislation’s thorough approach addresses both economic and social justice concerns, its success hinges on overcoming established Republican opposition in the state legislature. Wisconsin’s position as one of few remaining states without legal cannabis markets adds urgency to this reform initiative.
This article is based on publicly available legislative records, court filings, industry reports, and published research as of the publication date. Cannabis laws and regulations change frequently — verify current rules with your state’s regulatory agency.
