November 2016

40 years ago Madison voted to legalize cannabis like alcohol or tobacco

On Nov. 8, voters in nine states will have the opportunity to vote on expanding legal access to cannabis. 25 states and Washington D.C. currently have some kind of medical cannabis law. Five of those states: Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada, could join Oregon, Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Washington D.C. in legalizing so-called recreational use. If all five pass, 23% of Americans, about 75 million people, will live in states where cannabis is taxed and regulated for adult use.

Anti-Medical Pot Wisconsin Senator Julie Lassa loses seat

It’s not often I get to write about the defeat of a longtime nemesis of medical cannabis legislation in Wisconsin. State Sen. Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), was defeated by Republican Patrick Testin in the Nov. 8 general election by a 52-48% margin. Testin had expressed support for medical cannabis to voters while campaigning.

Wisconsin GOP Rep Proposes State Take Lead In Hemp Production

In a press release today, Wisconsin State Rep. Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum), a conservative Republican, proposed “that Wisconsin take the lead and push to become the national leader in hemp production and processing.” Kremer, who notes at the beginning of the release that he is 110% against legalizing recreational marijuana,” was recently reelected to the 59th Assembly District. Kremer’s move potentially has far-reaching implications.