By Governor-Elect Points To Cannabis Revenue
Wisconsin Gov.-elect David Crowley (D) said in an interview with CNN on Tuesday that he wants to use revenue from legalizing marijuana to offset federal Medicaid cuts. He was asked about the impact of cuts enacted under congressional Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Crowley told CNN he is “looking forward to working with our brand new Democratic trifecta legislature” to address the issue. He said the response will involve finding ways to “increase our revenues, and we can do that by finding new ways.”
“For example, legalizing marijuana,” Crowley said in the CNN interview. “We are one of the very few states in the Midwest that has not legalized it.”
Crowley has previously estimated that full legalization could bring in “anywhere between $80-170 million.” He said that money could help invest in healthcare across Wisconsin.
Legislative Leaders Call Legalization A Priority
Rep. Greta Neubauer (D) was elected by her colleagues on Tuesday to become the next speaker of the Assembly. At a press conference following the leadership vote, she said marijuana legalization is “a priority for us.”
“We’re figuring out exactly where it fits,” Neubauer said at the press conference, responding to a question about whether the reform would be included in the state budget or advance separately. She added, “But we do hope to pass marijuana legalization in the coming year.”
Sen. Dianne Hesselbein (D), who was elected by Senate Democrats to be the next majority leader, said it is “to be determined” whether legalization would be included in the budget or proposed as a standalone bill.
Neubauer and other Democratic lawmakers spoke last week about improved prospects for legalization following their party’s midterm election wins. “We know that legalization of marijuana is very popular in the state of Wisconsin, and we intend to listen to the voters of Wisconsin and the people of our state and legalize marijuana in the coming year to two years,” the incoming speaker said.
The legislature convenes in January, when Neubauer will take the speaker’s gavel.
Years Of Blocked Reform Efforts
Outgoing Gov. Tony Evers (D) pushed to legalize marijuana for recreational or medical purposes for years, but those proposals were blocked by the legislature’s Republican majority.
A limited medical cannabis bill did clear one committee this session, but it did not advance further. Democratic lawmakers filed broad legalization legislation in the 2026 session, and bipartisan decriminalization legislation was also filed, but neither proposal advanced.
Crowley has also said Wisconsin should legalize marijuana to raise revenue for free pre-kindergarten education and expanded healthcare access.
