Senator Van Wanggaard
A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers is calling for a Senate vote on a bill that would make it legal to possess an oil derived from marijuana in Wisconsin.
The proposal would update an existing state law that backers say turned out to be too strict to allow patients to access CBD oil, a marijuana extract state Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) says can be used to treat childhood seizure disorders. “What this bill does is allow an individual to possess CBD oil, if they have a letter of medical necessity from a licensed physician.”
Wanggaard says current law has caused issues for parents trying to access CBD oil, since federal law bars it from being transported over state lines and state law currently prohibits anyone from possessing it without a prescription. Those prescriptions have proved virtually impossible for parents to obtain, those advocating for the change have argued.
Critics of the move say there are safety concerns with the relaxed requirement, which they have argued could result in parents purchasing products that are actually unsafe. In testimony to lawmakers last summer, the Wisconsin Medical Society cautioned the measure could have “unintended consequences.”
Wanggaard and Democratic Senator Bob Wirch (D-Kenosha) are asking Senate leadership to schedule a vote on the bill Tuesday, which is the last day the chamber is expected to be in session this year. The bill has already been passed by the state Assembly on a voice vote.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s office said the bill is one of several being considered for the schedule for Tuesday’s session day.