As Wisconsin lawmakers gear up to finalize the state’s next budget, a familiar battle has resurfaced—this time centered on Wisconsin marijuana legalization.
On May 8, 2025, the Republican-led Joint Finance Committee voted to remove over 500 items from Governor Tony Evers’ proposed 2025–2027 budget, including a measure to legalize marijuana. While the move wasn’t unexpected, it underscores the ongoing partisan divide over cannabis policy in the state—even as support for legalization continues to rise among voters.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee voted to remove a marijuana legalization measure from Governor Evers’ budget proposal.
- The removal is part of a broader trimming of more than 500 items, many of which are recurring points of disagreement between parties.
- Some proposals—while cut from the budget—may still be reintroduced as standalone bills.
- Governor Evers expressed disappointment, but the broader budget process continues.
Why Wisconsin Marijuana Legalization Was Removed from the Budget
The committee’s vote followed party lines and aligned with similar actions in previous budget cycles. The legalization proposal was part of a larger list of Democratic priorities, including election reforms, education funding, and tax changes, that Republicans opted to strike early in the deliberations.
While marijuana legalization did not move forward through the budget, Republican lawmakers signaled that some of the removed proposals might still be considered separately.
The legalization language included provisions for a regulated adult-use market, including retail sales, taxation, and licensing. Advocates hoped it would finally push Wisconsin toward joining neighboring states like Illinois and Minnesota in legalizing recreational cannabis.
Governor Evers Responds
In a statement following the vote, Governor Evers expressed disappointment in the decision, arguing that the removed items—including cannabis reform—reflect “the will of the people” and deserve broader discussion.
“Wisconsinites deserve a budget that reflects their needs and priorities,” Evers said. “Legalizing marijuana is supported by a majority of our residents, and it’s time we have serious conversations about it.”
The governor has included marijuana legalization in every budget proposal since taking office in 2019, though none have made it through the legislative process intact.
What Happens Next?
The budget process is far from over. While the Joint Finance Committee’s vote strips cannabis legalization from this version of the budget, lawmakers still have weeks of negotiation ahead. It’s possible that standalone cannabis bills could emerge during the session, as has been the case in prior years—though none have made it to the governor’s desk.
In the meantime, Wisconsin remains one of the few Midwestern states where recreational marijuana is still illegal. Medical cannabis also remains prohibited, though limited forms of CBD are allowed under state law.
Whether through a future standalone bill or another budget proposal, Wisconsin marijuana legalization isn’t off the table—but it’s not on this one either.
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.
