Rep. Shankland Coauthors Legislation to Legalize Medical Cannabis in Wisconsin for Fourth Consecutive Session

Urban Milwaukee

MADISON – As a long-time health care champion and advocate for patients, Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) joined a bipartisan group of legislators today in co-authoring legislation (LRB 1055) to legalize medical cannabis prescribed by a doctor for qualifying patients in the state of Wisconsin.

As a coauthor of this legislation, Rep. Shankland issued the following statement:

“I’m proud to coauthor legislation to legalize medical cannabis for the fourth legislative session in a row. This commonsense bill will make a real difference in the lives of people who are suffering, and if passed, will improve their quality of life significantly.

“A strong majority of Portage County residents agree that it’s time for us to legalize medical cannabis in Wisconsin. In fact, 83% of Portage County voters in the fall 2018 election supported the referendum asking whether cannabis should be legal for medical use. People overwhelmingly support legalizing medical cannabis, with 81% of voters in Wisconsin recently supporting referenda on legalizing medical cannabis.

“Medical cannabis is legal in 33 states, and it’s past time to legalize it in Wisconsin. It’s time we listen to the people and provide this option to critically ill patients in Wisconsin, and I’m proud to coauthor legislation that supports folks who need access to the benefits of medical cannabis in a comprehensive and thoughtful manner.”