First off—apologies in advance. There will be typos, grammatical errors, and probably a little “word salad.” Why? Because this isn’t written by ChatGPT. I believe the issue at hand is important enough for me to take a moment and communicate this message as directly as I can.
For those new to Let’s Legalize Wisconsin, let me introduce myself. My name is Bob Hickey Jr., but the canna-community knows me as Bobby Beans!
The State of Cannabis in Wisconsin
How can there be thousands of cannabis-related products sold every day for consumption with zero oversight or regulation? The flower you buy could come from another state, a legal or black-market source—it could even be ten years old.
Why? Because Wisconsin has no oversight of its cannabis industry.
While many business owners claim to prioritize quality, my first-hand experiences have also shown otherwise. I’ve seen open containers of product sitting on dusty tables, terpenes sprayed on odorless flower long past expiration, and a complete lack of Credible Certificates of Analysis (COAs) or even expiration dates.
We’ll save that deep dive for another day, but the takeaway is clear: the current situation isn’t safe, sustainable, or fair to consumers or businesses trying to do things right.
Why I’m Speaking Up
After years in the cannabis industry, I realized the state wasn’t going to enforce safety measures on its own. Cannabis and hemp products are now found in grocery stores, gas stations, and even bars—yet there’s no oversight to ensure safety and quality.
So, I set out to amplify the voice of Wisconsinites and the businesses that prioritize quality over profits. Along the way, I tried working with politicians. Unfortunately, I learned that common sense and education aren’t always enough to create change in Madison.
Despite that, Let’s Legalize Wisconsin has grown to over 50,000 voices across all platforms. The outpouring of support and the passion I see from this community are truly inspiring.
Why 2025 Feels Different
Over the past year, the path to legalization has become clearer. The conversations are changing, momentum is building, and enough factors are aligning that I genuinely believe we’ll see a proposal with real legs in 2025.
If our politicians care about their constituents, legalization in 2025 should be a slam dunk.
Why do I feel confident? Here’s a sneak peek of the topics I’ll be breaking down in this series:
The People of Wisconsin
The Safety of Wisconsinites
The Wisconsin Cannabis Safety Alliance
The History of Wisconsin Cannabis
Existing Wisconsin Organizations (WISCAN, WIHFMA, The Great Midwest Hemp Fest, to name a few.)
Science
Common Sense
Each of these deserves its own focus, so let’s start with my favorite:
Part 1: The People of Wisconsin
You—the people of Wisconsin—are the reason I stay motivated. Over 80% of Wisconsinites support some form of legalization, whether medical, recreational, or both. That number isn’t just encouraging—it’s powerful.
We elect our politicians. They work for us. If they’re not listening, we need to remind them who’s in charge at the ballot box. This isn’t about party lines—it’s about accountability.
The truth is, we have more power than our politicians. While they bicker and refuse to work together, we can rise above it. We can do better. We deserve better.
The Power of Unity
The amount of power we have if we unite is staggering. The fact that so many of you have asked, “How can I help?” tells me you already understand this.
Our time to activate our voices is near. And the people are ready to step up.
Now, thanks to the formation of the Wisconsin Cannabis Safety Alliance (WICSA), there will be real volunteer opportunities for you to get involved.
This is just the beginning of the conversation. In the next post, we’ll dive into The Safety of Wisconsinites and why oversight is critical—not just for consumers but for the integrity of the industry itself.
Until then, thank you for being here, thank you for caring, and thank you for believing in a better future for Wisconsin.
Stay tuned, stay loud, and let’s keep pushing forward.
— Bobby Beans
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