Why I Believe Cannabis Will Be Legalized in Wisconsin in 2025 – Part 2: The Safety of Wisconsinites

Welcome back to Part 2 of this series on why I believe cannabis will be legalized in Wisconsin in 2025. In Part 1, we discussed the power of the people and how Wisconsinites’ overwhelming support for legalization is the foundation of this movement. Today, we’ll focus on a critical factor driving the need for legalization: safety.

The Safety of Wisconsinites: A Wake-Up Call

When people talk about cannabis legalization, they often focus on tax revenue or social justice, but there’s another issue that impacts everyone—public safety. Right now, Wisconsin’s cannabis market exists in a gray area with no oversight, no safety regulations, and no accountability.

This isn’t just a theoretical problem. We saw it firsthand in October 2024, with the Famous Yeti’s Pizza incident in Stoughton, Wisconsin.

The Famous Yeti’s Pizza Incident: A Preventable Crisis

In October 2024, at Famous Yeti’s Pizza, accidental THC contamination led to 85 probable cases of unintentional ingestion, including children and vulnerable individuals. Symptoms ranged from dizziness to severe nausea and panic attacks, with several people requiring emergency medical attention.

This incident wasn’t just an isolated mistake—it was a systemic failure that exposed critical gaps in how cannabis products are handled, labeled, and communicated to the public.

Key Lessons from the Incident:

1. Cross-Contamination: Shared kitchens must have clear physical barriers and locked storage areas to prevent accidental exposure.

2. Labeling Standards: All cannabis-infused products must feature tamper-proof labels with accurate THC content, dosage instructions, and health warnings.

3. Public Health Alerts: Faster public health communication protocols must be in place to minimize harm and prevent panic during similar incidents.

   
   

This wasn’t just a mistake—it was a wake-up call. Without statewide safety regulations, these failures will continue to happen.

Education and Training Are Critical

Safety isn’t just about rules on paper—it’s about real-world training and accountability for those handling cannabis products.

• Operators in Shared Kitchens: Must receive specialized training on cannabis contamination risks, food safety standards, and product handling protocols.

• Cannabis Business Employees: Should be trained to properly label, store, and handle cannabis products to avoid mistakes.

  
  

Knowledge isn’t optional—it’s a requirement for public safety.

Policy and Oversight: Working Together for Better Standards

We recognize that many Wisconsin cannabis businesses want to self-regulate and take safety into their own hands. At the Wisconsin Cannabis Safety Alliance (WICSA), we believe in working collaboratively with these businesses to set clear boundaries and develop safety standards together.

Instead of waiting for government mandates, we will:

• Partner with willing businesses to create transparent safety protocols.

• Develop industry standards for labeling, storage, and product testing.

• Implement accountability systems to ensure compliance without excessive bureaucracy.

  
  

This approach allows responsible businesses to lead by example, showing the state and consumers that safety is a top priority.

We can’t rely solely on external agencies for oversight. Real progress happens when advocates, businesses, and policymakers collaborate to create a safe and trusted marketplace.

Working with Healthcare Infrastructure

One of the most important insights shared by healthcare industry workers is the need to integrate cannabis safety protocols with existing healthcare systems:

• Healthcare Collaboration: Healthcare providers should be trained to recognize cannabis-related incidents and respond appropriately.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Statewide campaigns should focus on educating consumers about safe consumption, product sourcing, and identifying trustworthy vendors.

  
  

This approach creates a bridge between advocacy, industry, and healthcare, ensuring everyone has the tools they need to keep Wisconsin residents safe.

WICSA’s Plan for a Safer Future

The Wisconsin Cannabis Safety Alliance (WICSA) was formed to address these very issues. Our mission is clear: protect public health, build trust, and create a foundation for a safer cannabis industry in Wisconsin.

Here’s our plan moving forward:

1. Work with Businesses to Self-Regulate:

• Collaborate with business owners committed to safety to develop shared standards for labeling, storage, and quality assurance.

• Provide training resources and create a framework for transparent self-regulation.

  
  

2. Establish Comprehensive Safety Protocols:

• Set clear standards for product testing, labeling, and packaging.

• Ensure all products meet consistent safety benchmarks.

  
  

3. Strengthen Educational Initiatives:

• Launch statewide campaigns to educate consumers on cannabis safety.

• Help customers identify reputable, compliant businesses in Wisconsin.

  
  

4. Advocate for Reasonable Regulations:

• Partner with policymakers to create fair and balanced safety regulations.

• Push for routine inspections of shared kitchen spaces and cannabis production facilities.

  
  

5. Build Trust Through Certification:

• Introduce a certification program for businesses that meet high safety and transparency standards.

• Give consumers a clear way to identify safe, responsible vendors.

  
  

Collaboration Is the Key

This isn’t a fight we can win alone. It requires:

• Businesses committed to safety over profit.

• Consumers who demand transparency and accountability.

• Policymakers who are willing to prioritize public health over politics.

  
  

By working together—businesses, healthcare professionals, advocates, and consumers—we can build a cannabis market that prioritizes safety, transparency, and public trust.

The Famous Yeti’s Pizza incident wasn’t just an unfortunate event—it was a clear signal that Wisconsin cannot wait any longer for oversight and regulation.

Cannabis is already here. The question isn’t if people will consume it—it’s how safely they’ll be able to do so.

Looking Ahead: Part 3 – The Wisconsin Cannabis Safety Alliance (WICSA)

In Part 3, we’ll take a closer look at the Wisconsin Cannabis Safety Alliance—what we stand for, how we’re driving change, and how you can get involved in building a safer, smarter future for cannabis in Wisconsin.

Until then, stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s keep pushing forward—together.

— Bobby Beans

#LetsLegalizeWisconsin #Cannabis2025 #WisconsinCannabisSafetyAlliance #CannabisSafety