Wisconsin Bill Aims to Legalize Cannabis for All Adults

A bold move by Wisconsin Democrats could soon end the state’s long ban on cannabis. Senate Bill 1045, filed just days ago, seeks to allow adults to use marijuana for fun and medicine while cracking down on strong hemp drinks and foods. With strong backing from nearly 50 lawmakers, this push highlights growing calls for change in a state where pot remains illegal despite neighbor states cashing in.

Wisconsin lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 1045 on February 24, 2026. The bill comes from state Senators LaTonya Johnson and Chris Larson, both from Milwaukee. It has support from 14 out of 15 Democratic senators and 33 out of 44 Democratic representatives, making 47 total backers. No Republicans have signed on yet.

This bill would make Wisconsin the 25th state to legalize adult-use cannabis. It lets people 21 and older possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower in public or 2 pounds at home. Users could also have up to 1 gram of THC in infused items, 15 grams of concentrates, and grow 12 mature plants per household.

The plan also covers medical needs. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services would set up a registry for patients with conditions like cancer or post-traumatic stress disorder. This step aims to help those in pain without breaking the law.

One short note stands out. The bill bans sales to anyone under 21, much like alcohol rules.

How the Bill Handles Hemp and Safety Rules

Intoxicating hemp products face new limits under this proposal. Right now, Wisconsin has no age check for hemp items, which can pack a punch like cannabis. The bill changes that by restricting them to adults 21 and up.

It defines intoxicating hemp as products with 1 to 10 milligrams of cannabinoids per serving. That means drinks up to 12 fluid ounces or edibles per package. Anything stronger would count as cannabis and follow stricter rules.

By folding high-potency hemp into cannabis oversight, the bill seeks to protect kids and ensure safe products. Lawmakers worry about unregulated delta-8 THC gummies and drinks flooding stores. This could close loopholes that let teens buy strong stuff easily.

Businesses would need licenses to grow, process, sell, or test cannabis. The state would collect taxes and fees to fund the program. Penalties for breaking rules include fines or jail time, depending on the offense.

Experts say this setup mirrors successful models in states like Illinois. There, regulated sales have cut black market risks.

Past Efforts and Why This Bill Matters Now

Wisconsin has tried cannabis reform before, but talks often stalled. In 2023, bills like AB 506 and SB 486 aimed for full legalization but died in committee. Governor Tony Evers pushed for it in his 2021 budget, suggesting taxes like on booze. A Republican medical bill, SB 534, surfaced in 2025 but lacked broad support.

Public views have shifted fast. A June 2025 Marquette University Law School poll found 67% of Wisconsin voters back recreational marijuana. That’s up from 61% in 2019. Support crosses party lines: 88% of Democrats, 79% of independents, and even 50% of Republicans favor it.

Voters see legalization as a way to fix unfair arrests and boost the economy. Over 10,000 people get busted yearly for cannabis in Wisconsin, per state data. Many face job loss or family splits from these charges. The ACLU of Wisconsin noted in a January 2025 report that 95% of Democrats and 78% of Republicans support medical use.

Neighbor states like Illinois and Michigan already sell legal pot. They report billions in sales and jobs. Wisconsin loses out as residents cross borders, spending money elsewhere.

This bill adds expungement for past convictions. People with old marijuana charges could clear records, opening doors to better lives.

To show possession limits clearly, here is a simple table:

Item Type	Public Limit	Private Limit	Notes
Cannabis Flower	2.5 ounces	2 pounds	For adults 21+
THC Infused Products	N/A	1 gram	Per person
Concentrates	N/A	15 grams	Includes oils
Plants	N/A	12 mature	Per household

This table helps see how the rules balance freedom and control.

Economic Boost and Challenges Ahead

Legal cannabis could pour cash into Wisconsin’s coffers. State analysts estimated in 2023 that full legalization might bring nearly $170 million a year in taxes. That includes $3.1 million from local sales tax and fees from 300 businesses.

A 2022 University of Wisconsin study looked at benefits. It found medical marijuana alone could add over $1 billion to the economy through jobs and health savings. Legal sales cut crime costs too, as black markets shrink.

Imagine new stores, farms, and labs creating thousands of jobs in rural areas. Hemp farmers already grow crops legally, but this bill lets them expand into full cannabis. Owners like Mike Sickler, who runs a THC business, say it would let small shops thrive without fear.

But hurdles remain. Republican leaders sent the bill to a tough committee, signaling resistance. Passage needs bipartisan nods in a divided legislature. If it fails, Democrats eye ballot measures for 2028.

Supporters point to hope. Families with sick loved ones wait for medical access. Young people avoid jail for small amounts. And the state gains revenue for schools or roads.

One key fact surprises many. Legal states see fewer teen pot users than before, thanks to rules and education.

Here are main benefits backers highlight:

• Cuts arrests by thousands yearly.
• Creates 5,000 to 10,000 jobs in first years.
• Raises funds for public health programs.
• Helps patients manage pain legally.

Opponents worry about road safety or youth access. But data from Colorado shows no big spike in crashes after legalization.

As talks heat up at the Capitol, eyes watch for hearings. This could mark a turning point for Wisconsin.

In a state stuck in the past on cannabis, Senate Bill 1045 offers real change that touches everyday lives. It promises freedom for adults, relief for the ill, and money for communities, all while fixing old wrongs. The push shows how public demand drives progress, even against odds.