Author: CannabisNewsWire (CNW)

About CannabisNewsWire CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge. To receive SMS text alerts from CannabisNewsWire, text “CANNABIS” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

420 with CNW — President Trump to Play Pivotal Role in Marijuana Policy Reform and Rescheduling

With cannabis rescheduling currently on hold indefinitely, the $32 billion industry’s fate hinges on critical decisions—particularly President Donald Trump’s choice of the next Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) director.

Trump made waves in September by becoming the first presidential candidate from a major party to support a state-level recreational marijuana legalization ballot initiative. However, since then, the topic has not resurfaced in his agenda. It also remained absent during the confirmation hearings for his attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi.

In this information vacuum, speculation has emerged based on Bondi’s record and Trump’s posts on Truth Social. A notable detail is Bondi’s time as a lobbyist for Ballard Partners, a D.C.-based company. Ballard’s client list includes Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a multistate cannabis operator based in Tallahassee, Florida, though Bondi herself is not listed as a lobbyist for the company.

Trulieve’s CEO, Kim Rivers, attended Trump’s inauguration alongside Cresco Labs CEO Charlie Bachtell. Following the event, Rivers shared on X that she had productive discussions on cannabis reform and rescheduling, calling it “a new day” for the industry.

If confirmed, Bondi’s actions—along with Trump’s choice for DEA leadership—could shape the future of cannabis reform. This urgency has heightened after DEA judge John Mulrooney II halted the administrative process to move cannabis to Schedule III. Mulrooney’s January 13 order stopped hearings that were supposed to resume on January 21, citing a request to disqualify DEA director Anne Milgram due to allegations of bias against the process.

Rescheduling would significantly relieve the cannabis sector, allowing businesses to claim standard federal tax deductions currently prohibited under federal law. However, the timing and continuation of the rescheduling hearings remain uncertain. As Mulrooney noted in his order, he could recommend restarting the entire process, but any decision ultimately rests with the next DEA director.

Trump’s first nominee for DEA leadership, Chad Chronister, withdrew his name shortly after being nominated. Trump later claimed he had withdrawn the nomination himself. Observers believe Trump might select someone with deep ties to the DEA, and this seemed likely when Derek Maltz, a long-time DEA official and opponent of rescheduling cannabis, was appointed interim administrator.

Whether Maltz becomes the next director or serves temporarily, many doubt a Trump appointee would oppose his policy stance. Similarly, the GOP-controlled Congress is unlikely to challenge Trump’s directives, despite cannabis advocates’ efforts to push reform.

Under Biden, marijuana reform efforts stalled, including a Senate bill for banking protections that never reached a full vote. Blame for this failure varies, with some pointing fingers at the Republican opposition, while others blame Chuck Schumer, the former Senate Majority Leader. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are not seen as advocates for cannabis reform.

Should the Trump administration prioritize rescheduling, it could drastically alter the trajectory of marijuana policy in the United States. All the eyes of marijuana industry actors like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be on the new team in Washington, D.C. to see what decisions they make and how those decisions shape the future of the industry.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Arkansas Governor Says Medical Cannabis Taxes Will Help Feed Children

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas recently highlighted the advantages of medical cannabis tax revenue in her last week’s State of the State address, announcing a significant plan.

The state approved medical cannabis through a voter-supported amendment in 2016, but it wasn’t made available to qualifying patients until May 2019. Since then, the program has seen significant growth, with nearly 109,000 active medical cannabis ID cardholders recorded at the end of 2024.

In Arkansas, medical cannabis purchases are subject to a 4 percent privilege tax and a 6.5 percent state sales tax. The revenue collected through the sales tax contributes to important public services, such as addressing food insecurity and supporting public schools. In 2024 alone, these taxes brought in $28.5 million, increasing the medical cannabis program’s total revenue to approximately $150 million since its inception.

During her address, Sanders highlighted how the funding will be utilized. She stated:

“This year, Arkansas will join the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program. Today, I’m sharing plans to allocate medical cannabis funds to ensure financial stability for the Summer EBT program and to sustain our free breakfast and lunch initiatives in the long term. Additionally, these funds will allow us to offer free school breakfasts throughout the state of Arkansas.”

Gov. Sanders’s proposal is particularly noteworthy given her history of opposing broader marijuana reforms, including her stance against a measure that sought to expand the state’s cannabis program. Despite her prior resistance to recreational cannabis legalization, the governor appears committed to preserving and enhancing the existing framework. The governor even signed legislation in 2023 allowing medical cannabis patients to obtain licenses for carrying firearms.

The National School Lunch Program, a federally supported initiative, provides assistance to almost 100,000 public and not-for-profit private schools, as well as residential childcare facilities across the United States. The program offers free meals to children from households earning less than 130% of the federal poverty level. Families with incomes between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level can access reduced-cost meals, while those above this range pay the full price but still receive some subsidies.

Despite these efforts, many children lose access to these meals during summer breaks. The Summer EBT program, introduced in 2023 by Congress, addresses this issue by offering food assistance to low-income households during the summer months when school-provided meals are unavailable.

Marijuana enterprises like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) will be pleased that different communities in different jurisdictions are reaping the benefits of legalizing marijuana and allowing licensed companies to impact not just patients but other sections of the population as well.

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420 with CNW — US Border Patrol Asks Court to Dismiss Businesses’ Lawsuit on Marijuana Seizures in New Mexico

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are asking a federal judge to dismiss a case brought by New Mexico-licensed cannabis businesses. The businesses allege that the agencies unlawfully seized state-regulated cannabis products and arrested staff members at checkpoints within the state.

According to CBP and DHS, federal law takes precedence over state law as long as cannabis remains prohibited at the federal level. They argue that border agents are authorized to disregard state regulations and seize cannabis products. Furthermore, they assert that protections afforded to state cannabis programs through the Department of Justice (DOJ) policies and congressional rider do not extend to CBP, which operates under DHS.

The lawsuit, brought by 8 New Mexico cannabis businesses, was filed in October last year after reports surfaced of CBP agents seizing products and other property from state-licensed cannabis businesses at border checkpoints across New Mexico.

The businesses claim these actions violate the Fifth Amendment by conducting seizures and searches without following proper procedures. CBP has countered this argument, requesting the case be dismissed on grounds of insufficient claims and lack of jurisdiction.

The lawsuit further describes incidents where CBP detained cannabis business employees for extended periods without filing charges. Although CBP did not directly address these detentions, it maintained its authority to detain individuals under current federal law.

The agency also addressed specific complaints, such as the seizure of non-marijuana property assets like vehicles and cash. CBP argued that since the vehicles were returned to the plaintiffs before the lawsuit was filed, the issue is moot, and the plaintiffs lack standing to seek further relief.

In response to allegations that their actions contradict federal regulations and policy precedents, CBP emphasized that protections for state cannabis programs only apply to the DOJ under a congressional rider and do not extend to DHS or its agencies. Additionally, they rejected claims that prior Treasury Department or DOJ guidance on cannabis reform has any legal bearing, stating that federal law continues to prohibit cannabis and provides no exceptions for CBP or DHS to stop enforcing those restrictions. CBP and DHS also reiterated that cannabis is still classified as a Schedule 1 substance under the CSA.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to require CBP to provide documentation of seized property, return the items or compensate them for their value, and establish a process to contest future seizures in compliance with the Fifth Amendment.

The issue has also drawn attention from legislators, with Representative Gabe Vasquez proposing an amendment to appropriations legislation for DHS, aiming to restrict border agents from using federal funds to confiscate cannabis products from state-licensed operators.

The marijuana industry and its leading firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) will be hoping that the court system clears the air on whether it is acceptable for Border Patrol to seize cannabis products from licensed companies that are conducting their legitimate business activities in states bordering neighboring countries.

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420 with CNW — Activists in Florida File New Initiative to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Marijuana advocates in Florida have submitted a fresh proposal aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis. The new measure comes only two months after a similar one failed to secure the required supermajority vote during the November election. Florida residents will have the opportunity to vote on the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2026 if the measure is approved.

Smart and Safe Florida, the group behind the measure, officially submitted it to the state Elections’ Division on Tuesday. The initiative would legalize recreational cannabis use for individuals 21 years of age or older while establishing regulations for the cultivation, sale, and distribution of marijuana. Under the proposed rules, adults would be allowed to possess a maximum of five grams of cannabis concentrates and two ounces of marijuana.

The revised initiative introduces significant changes compared to last year’s ballot measure to address criticisms that contributed to its failure. One key concern, voiced by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, was that the previous measure would have limited the state legislature’s ability to regulate where marijuana could be consumed.

To address this, the updated proposal explicitly bans vaping and smoking cannabis in public spaces. Additionally, it includes provisions to prevent marijuana packaging and advertising from appealing to children.

Another notable addition to the new initiative is a clause allowing the legislature to authorize adults to grow cannabis at home for personal use under reasonable regulations. This addresses a criticism of the previous proposal, which lacked provisions for home cultivation—a feature many marijuana reform advocates had hoped to see.

The previous attempt to legalize cannabis, Amendment 3, was backed by about 56% of voters in the general election held in November. But it didn’t reach the 60% threshold that Florida law requires. The unsuccessful measure was heavily backed by Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), the largest supplier of medical cannabis in the state.

Similar to Amendment 3, the latest proposal would permit Florida’s existing medical marijuana businesses to expand into the recreational market, allowing sales to individuals 21 years of age and older. It also requires issuing new licenses to businesses exclusively focused on recreational cannabis.

To qualify for the ballot, Smart and Safe Florida must collect approximately 900,000 valid voters’ signatures. Should the necessary signatures be obtained and the language of the measure be approved by Florida’s Supreme Court, voters will have the opportunity to decide on the proposal in 2026.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana is Widely Available in Texas Despite its Prohibitive Laws

In Texas, getting high has never been easier, despite the state’s reputation for strict policies and socially conservative values. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, Texas boasts over 7,000 marijuana dispensaries—nearly double the number in California. The market has expanded to include 24/7 marijuana delivery services, mobile dispensary trucks, vending machines, and even mail-order options.

The contradiction arises from the state legislature, which has consistently opposed legalizing recreational cannabis. Yet, due to a rapidly growing and loosely regulated hemp market, Texas has unintentionally earned the nickname “the THC Republic.”

It began when Congress passed Farm Bill 2018, which legalized hemp by classifying it separately from cannabis. While cannabis contains high levels of THC, hemp has significantly lower levels. In 2019, Texas followed suit by allowing farmers to grow hemp for uses like textiles, paper, and clothing. Legislators believed they were steering clear of legalizing cannabis. However, a loophole in the hemp law enabled the sale of potent cannabis products.

Texas isn’t alone—eleven other states, primarily in the South, have experienced similar unintended consequences after passing hemp-friendly legislation. However, with its large cities and rapidly growing population, Texas has become the center of this trend. Although medical cannabis is legal in Texas, it’s tightly regulated, expensive, and limited to certain conditions like multiple sclerosis and cancer.

The largely unregulated hemp market has grown far beyond medical cannabis, creating significant challenges. Without age restrictions, some shops sell hemp products to underage buyers, including students after school hours. Moreover, licensed medical cannabis providers face difficulty competing with the hemp industry, which operates with fewer restrictions and a dedicated customer base.

Interestingly, the hemp market has also led to a dramatic decrease in the cannabis black market. Seizures of illegal cannabis along the Southwest border decreased by 72% between 2021 and 2023. Consumers now prefer regulated cannabis over the harsher, cartel-supplied “brickweed.”

In places like El Paso, residents who previously relied on dealers from Juarez, Mexico, can now cross into nearby New Mexico, where recreational cannabis has been legal since 2021, to shop at upscale dispensaries.

Psychoactive hemp will be a high agenda item when the Texas legislature meets for its biennial session. While the marijuana industry hopes for more mild rules, Gov. Dan Patrick has pledged to advocate for a total prohibition of THC products. If successful, it could mark the end of Texas’ thriving THC marketplace.

The broader marijuana industry, including Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), will be following the developments in Texas to see how the legitimate needs of residents who wish to consume THC products will be addressed by the conservative lawmakers in the state.

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420 with CNW — Illinois OKs Additional Conditions for Which Women Can Use Medical Marijuana

Cannabis regulators in Illinois have expanded the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana for the first time since legalization in 2019, focusing specifically on women’s health issues.

The state’s public health department, following recommendations from the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, approved four new conditions: female orgasmic disorder, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis.

While cannabis cannot shrink cysts or fibroids as some treatments might, it can help alleviate the pain brought by these conditions, explained Doctor Leslie Mendoza Temple, co-chair of the advisory board. She expressed satisfaction with the state’s decision to approve the conditions after nearly six years without any additions to the list, despite previous recommendations.

Currently, Illinois allows medical marijuana for 56 conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, terminal illnesses, and osteoarthritis. Doctors can recommend marijuana to patients with these qualifying conditions, enabling them to obtain a medical marijuana card.

The card requires a $50 yearly charge and a doctor’s certification and allows patients to purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries without paying the steep recreational marijuana tax, which can be as high as 45 percent.

Although recreational marijuana is legally available to adults 21 and older, Dr. Mendoza Temple emphasized the importance of maintaining a distinction between medical and recreational use. Beyond cost savings, medical patients and their caregivers can purchase up to 2.5 ounces at once—compared to one ounce for adult-use buyers—and are also permitted to grow up to five cannabis plants.

Dr. Mendoza Temple also highlighted areas where the medical program could be improved, such as permitting drive-through cannabis sales, increasing the number of dispensaries authorized to sell medical cannabis, and granting broader access to all licensed dispensaries in Illinois.

Regulators have acknowledged these concerns and are working on legislation to enhance patient access statewide.

Among the newly approved conditions, endometriosis involves tissue resembling the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, often causing scarring, severe pain, and potential infertility. Female orgasmic disorder refers to difficulties in achieving orgasm, which can stem from various underlying causes. According to the IDPH, evidence suggests marijuana may provide relief for both conditions.

“Medical marijuana has demonstrated its effectiveness in managing symptoms of numerous debilitating conditions,” stated Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of IDPH. He added that the department thoroughly evaluates petitions using professional analysis and the latest scientific evidence to make informed decisions for the well-being of Illinois residents.

Leading entities like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) that offer medical cannabis are likely to applaud the decision of the Illinois authorities to expand the list of qualifying conditions so that more patients can benefit from the medical marijuana program.

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420 with CNW — Observers Say Budgetary Pressures Could Boost Efforts to Legalize Marijuana in Iowa

A significant portion of adults in the U.S. remains in favor of cannabis legalization. However, despite this momentum, three out of four recreational legalization initiatives—proposed in Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota—failed during the November elections.

Projections indicate that about five states might legalize cannabis this year, though Iowa appears to be an exception. As with many policy matters, expanding access to medical marijuana or legalizing recreational marijuana sales in Iowa involves multiple layers of complexity. Issues such as health, social justice, law enforcement, economic impact, agriculture, and employment are all intertwined in this debate.

Observers note that financial considerations may ultimately drive change. Iowa has drastically reduced its tax rates and state spending while increasing costs for programs like private school tuition vouchers. This fiscal pressure could lead to the pursuit of new revenue streams, with cannabis taxes being a plausible option.

Former Iowa deputy treasurer Mike Tramontina called the state’s budgetary strategy unsustainable. He noted that while the state’s finances have been strengthened by federal aid and a robust economy, significant cuts to support for natural resources, public education, and regulatory supervision have been excessive.

Spending on private school vouchers has also increased dramatically, rising from $106.9 million in 2023–2024 to an estimated $179.2 million in 2024–2025. Most of the funds, critics say, go to richer families whose kids are already enrolled in private schools.

Tramontina predicts that the state will require $40 million to $50 million in additional revenue soon. He suggests that legalizing cannabis might become a viable solution given the limited revenue potential of Iowa’s current medical cannabis program.

Meanwhile, Iowans looking to purchase cannabis legally often travel to neighboring states like Missouri, Illinois, or Minnesota, boosting their economies instead. Illinois, for example, reported that Wisconsin residents spent $36.1 million on marijuana there in 2022, generating over $3.6 million in tax revenue.

Despite growing public support—approximately 60% of Iowans favor legalization—political resistance remains strong. Republican lawmakers in Iowa have consistently blocked Democratic-led cannabis legislation, including a 2023 proposal to decriminalize cannabis and expunge records for possession offenses.

Meanwhile, opponents, including Representative Ann Meyer, cite concerns over the potential impact on brain development and youth access. Still, there is bipartisan acknowledgment of the medical benefits of cannabis. For example, Meyer has noted its effectiveness in treating conditions like seizures and PTSD. Similarly, pharmacist and former legislator John Forbes supports medical cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids for pain management.

As in many states, Iowa’s debate over cannabis legalization remains contentious. While public sentiment appears to favor change, legislative hurdles suggest a lengthy battle ahead. Eventually, the fiscal and other benefits that other jurisdictions where companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) operate have witnessed could turn around the opposition and give reform a chance.

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420 with CNW — Dallas Police Get New Instructions on Making Marijuana-Related Arrests, Citations

Dallas police have updated guidelines on handling cannabis possession cases after Proposition R was put into effect. An internal memo from the Dallas Police Department (DPD) outlines the changes, stating that officers are no longer permitted to arrest or issue citations for possession of cannabis weighing less than four ounces. Furthermore, cannabis odor alone cannot be used as probable cause for a search, except in high-priority narcotics or violent felony cases.

Previously, the policy required officers to confiscate cannabis from individuals with less than two ounces without issuing citations or making arrests. However, the recent memo, circulated on Friday, declares that the former policy is no longer relevant.

Proposition R, referred to as the “Dallas Freedom Act” by its supporters, was approved by 66% of voters during the recent election.

Eddie Garcia, the former chief of police in Dallas, voiced worries last year regarding the measure’s possible effects on safety. Garcia told the city council, “In my thirty years in law enforcement, I think this could lead to more illegal sales and have a negative impact on the quality of life in some neighborhoods.”

Proposition R doesn’t legalize cannabis in Dallas. Possession of two ounces and below is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, attracting a $2,000 fine and a 180-day maximum jail sentence. Having two to four ounces in your possession is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a one-year maximum jail sentence and a maximum fine of four thousand dollars.

In 2023, Texas AG Ken Paxton filed lawsuits against five cities over measures deprioritizing enforcement of misdemeanor cannabis offenses. According to John Creuzot, Dallas County District Attorney, 97 percent of misdemeanor cannabis prosecutions in the county contained amounts under two ounces.

Meanwhile, Garcia cautioned that Proposition R could hinder law enforcement’s ability to prosecute drug dealers, as four ounces can equate to roughly 38 typical cannabis transactions.

Although Texas has not legalized cannabis for recreational use, the state does have a medical cannabis program established by the Texas Compassionate Use Act in 2015. The program allows certain physicians, registered with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), to prescribe low-THC cannabis to patients with qualifying medical conditions.

The Farm Bill 2018 federally defined “hemp” as marijuana containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Subsequently, in 2019, Texas legalized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp products, including consumable items like CBD and other edible hemp derivatives.

If more cities take the step of making the enforcement of marijuana laws a low priority for police, it could lead to the eventual legalization of the substance, and that could open opportunities for marijuana firms and ancillary companies, such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve cannabis companies.

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420 with CNW — Data Shows After Ohio Legalized Marijuana, Fatal Car Crashes Have Dropped

Recent data released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) shows that since cannabis legalization came into effect in the state, fatal traffic accidents connected to marijuana use have decreased by 30%. This contradicts concerns raised by critics of legalization who predicted an increase in deadly crashes caused by impaired drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Ohio voters approved recreational cannabis legalization in November 2023 and the law went into effect the following month, allowing for legal possession and use. Retail sales began in August 2024.

The state had 1,067 fatal road accidents last year—the lowest figure in the last five years and a 7% decline from the 1,150 crashes recorded in 2023. Among these, 215 accidents, or about 20%, were linked to marijuana—a drop from 306 crashes (27%) tied to cannabis the previous year.

Operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) arrests also decreased last year, with 644 fewer cases recorded than in 2023. Marijuana-related OVI arrests specifically saw an 83-case decline in 2024 compared to the prior year. In 2023, law enforcement reported 15,276 OVI arrests, of which around 10% (1,454) involved cannabis. By 2024, the total arrests had dropped to 14,632, and marijuana-related arrests accounted for 1,371 of those—a 6% decrease.

Tragically, 242 people lost their lives in crashes thought to be caused by cannabis use in 2024. However, this is a significant improvement—28% fewer fatalities than the 335 recorded in 2023. It’s also the lowest number of such deaths since 2020. Marijuana-related crashes in general fell as well, with 1,171 incidents reported in 2024—the lowest since 2020 and a 12% decrease from 2023.

Beyond traffic incidents, overall drug arrests by OSHP dropped significantly after marijuana legalization. In 2024, there were 5,458 fewer drug arrests compared to the prior year, representing a 66% decline. Arrests for all drug-related offenses have steadily decreased since 2021, with 12,528 arrests recorded that year. The numbers fell to 8,385 in 2022, 8,215 in 2023, and just 2,758 in 2024.

While OSHP noted that the current data is preliminary and might change as more toxicology results become available, these trends suggest a clear decline in cannabis-related traffic deaths. Reports from state regulators also revealed that legal marijuana sales in the state exceeded $242 million in 2024. According to regulators, 32,486 pounds of plant material and 4,007,127 units of manufactured items have been sold.

These statistics prove that marijuana legalization and the licensing of entities like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) doesn’t lead to a spike in fatal crashes. Instead, systems are created, such as education campaigns, to encourage responsible use. As a result, communities reap the benefits of this substance while also keeping any attendant risks minimal.

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420 with CNW — Governor Wants Wisconsin Voters to Legalize Marijuana as GOP Lawmakers Block Reform Efforts

Wisconsin governor Tony Evers has proposed granting voters the power to introduce binding questions directly on the ballot to enact new laws. He cited widespread bipartisan support for issues like cannabis legalization, which the Republican-led legislature has consistently refused to address.

During a recent press conference, Evers announced his intention to include a proposal in the 2025/27 biennial budget allowing citizens to initiate ballot measures for constitutional or statutory changes, provided they receive majority approval.

Evers specifically highlighted popular issues such as the legalization and taxation of cannabis akin to alcohol, gun safety, abortion rights, and more financing for civic education. He accused GOP legislators of ignoring the will of Wisconsin’s residents despite public backing.

In 2022, the governor issued an executive order calling for a special legislative session to grant citizens the right to propose ballot initiatives. This move raised hopes among campaigners that voters could decide on marijuana legalization directly. However, the Republican-controlled legislature rejected the proposal.

Whether lawmakers support the governor’s upcoming budget request remains uncertain. Historically, they have declined to approve Evers’ past proposals, including his repeated calls to legalize medical and recreational marijuana.

Last month, Evers reaffirmed cannabis reform as a top priority for the 2025 legislative session, urging action amidst a budget surplus. A recent poll revealed that nearly 65% of rural voters in Wisconsin support legalizing marijuana, reflecting growing public approval.

In May, the governor expressed optimism that the 2024 elections might lead to Democratic legislative control, potentially paving the way for legalization. However, Republican legislators have consistently removed cannabis-related provisions from Evers’ budget requests.

Even modest attempts at marijuana reform have faced obstacles. Last year, a Democratic lawmaker attempted to introduce a medical cannabis compromise as an amendment to a kratom measure. The proposal was pulled from the agenda, allegedly to avoid a contentious debate.

Further complicating matters, a Republican-sponsored medical cannabis measure proposed in January was criticized for its restrictive nature, including a plan for state-controlled dispensaries. This drew opposition from within the Republican Party itself, with one senator arguing it contradicted free-market principles.

The Senate president recently expressed a willingness to discuss medical cannabis legalization in 2025, but the Assembly speaker remains a significant barrier.

Meanwhile, a fiscal analysis from the Revenue Department projected that legalization could generate an annual tax income of $170 million. A separate report estimated that Wisconsin citizens spent over $121 million on marijuana in neighboring Illinois in 2022, generating $36 million in tax income for the state.

Evers and fellow Democrats have reiterated their willingness to support a limited medical cannabis program as a starting point, even as they advocate for broader reforms.

Established marijuana firms like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) in other jurisdictions hope that the people of Wisconsin one day get to enjoy the many benefits that medical and recreational users of cannabis in many other parts of the country are enjoying.

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