Wisconsin’s GOP intends to reveal a plan to legalize medical marijuana in the near future, with a potential vote taking place in 2024, according to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.

The Republican party has been secretly developing a medical marijuana legislation for several years. Despite pressure from Governor Tony Evers and other Democrats to legalize all forms of marijuana, including medical and recreational use, their efforts have been rejected.

According to Vos, in a conversation on Wednesday, the suggestion will have restrictions and will be based on the medical marijuana legislation previously implemented in Minnesota before it transitioned to complete legalization.

“He stated that it will not be a widespread occurrence. Dispensaries will not be found on every corner in every city.”

Assembly Republicans have expressed support for the idea, but the specific details of the proposal have not yet been revealed. The plan is expected to be revealed in January. Vos had previously stated in April that he aimed to have the bill ready by the fall of 2023, but it took longer to reach a consensus.

“In concept most people are there, but I don’t want to guarantee anything until we have a wider discussion,” he said. “I feel pretty good that we’re in a place where I think it can get through our chamber.”

Senator Melissa Agard, a member of the Democratic party, has been a strong proponent of legalizing marijuana. However, on Thursday, she stated that she may be open to a narrower medical marijuana program, but she still has doubts about its effectiveness. Despite her efforts to collaborate with Republicans on the bill and her statewide advocacy for legalization, she has faced rejection.

The Democratic Assembly’s Minority Leader, Greta Neubauer, expressed willingness to consider the Republican bill during discussions.

On Thursday, she expressed her hope that our colleagues have put forth a sincere proposal that addresses the negative impact of marijuana criminalization and truly grants access to those in need.

If approved by both the Senate and Assembly, it would need to be signed by Evers before becoming effective. His representative did not respond to a message on Thursday for comment.

The stance of Senate Republicans on the legalization of marijuana has been less receptive compared to that of the Assembly. However, in January, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu stated that a potential bill for implementing a medical marijuana program could be approved during this legislative session, as long as strict regulations are established to ensure it is only used for individuals experiencing severe pain.

Vos has been a strong supporter of implementing a medical marijuana program, however, no legislation has been voted on in either the Republican-controlled Assembly or Senate.

Wisconsin remains an outlier nationally, with 38 states legalizing medical marijuana and 24 legalizing recreational marijuana. The push for legalization in Wisconsin has gained momentum, as its neighbors have loosened laws.

Marquette University Law School surveys have consistently found that a significant majority of Wisconsin residents are in favor of legalizing the use of marijuana. With such widespread and nonpartisan backing, Agard argues that there should be complete legalization.