'The Devil Truly Is In The Details,' Says Wisconsin Sen. Agard Of GOP-Backed 'Overly Restrictive' Marijuana Bill

A long-time cannabis advocate and lawmaker, State Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) is determined to carefully assess a medical marijuana bill that Wisconsin's Republican legislators introduced on Monday.

"I am thoroughly reviewing every provision of this bill because the devil truly is in the details," Agard said in a statement reported by WisPolitics. "This is a serious matter the legislature will be taking up in the coming weeks."

Agard, who has been tireless in her efforts to enact cannabis policy reform said the GOP-backed legislation is "overly restrictive,” which “does not move our state in the right direction."

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos seems to not only be of the opposite opinion, but he says the bill represents the maximum extent that Republicans are willing to go.

The legislation stipulates stringent eligibility criteria, limiting marijuana access to patients diagnosed with specific conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, severe muscle spasms, and terminal illnesses, among others.

Agard begs to differ. "It is disappointing to see that yet again, Wisconsin's Republican Legislators are acting as health professionals when they are not," she said. "I firmly believe we must trust doctors, patients, and caretakers to make these personal, medical decisions."

Some Are Cautions, Some Applaud

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein shared Agard's concerns regarding the bill’s restrictions though she called it a "small step in the right direction," writes the Associated Press.

Governor Tony Evers (D) and the Democrats have long advocated full marijuana legalization for years.

Even though the new measure falls short of their goals, Evers expressed openness to a Republican-backed proposal for limited medical marijuana legalization recently.

On Monday, he showed no indication of whether he supported or opposed the proposal.

Britt Cudaback, the governor's spokesperson said Evers will evaluate the concept and provide his feedback while looking forward to “hearing from Wisconsinites and other stakeholders as the bill moves through" the state Assembly and Senate.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, who acknowledged last year the potential passage of a medical marijuana bill within this legislative session, was also cautious about sharing his stance. He said the bill should be "thoroughly vetted before the Senate decides how to proceed."

LeMahieu's political ally Rep. Angie Sapik seems to fully support the bill.

"The new legislation aims to provide a common-sense and clear solution for many elderly and chronic condition sufferers, offering safeguards and clear medical prescription and benefits to everyday Wisconsinites," she said.

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