I received a copy of the proposed "Wisconsin Medical 🌱 Bill" presented today by GOP state lawmakers, and felt a condensed version highlighting the details would be helpful.
Here's a detailed summary of the Bill:
Patient and Caregiver Registry: The bill establishes a registry for patients and caregivers. Patients with certain medical conditions can apply for inclusion. A fee of $100 (or $50 for hardship cases) is required upon application and annually. Patients under 18 must have their legal guardians informed.
Caregiver Designation: Patients can designate up to three caregivers to purchase and possess medical cannabis on their behalf. Caregivers must be over 21, not on parole, probation, or extended supervision, and residents of Wisconsin.
Medical Cannabis Dispensaries: The state will establish five dispensaries, with one in each of the five regions designated by the Department for data analysis and communication. Dispensaries can only sell to registered patients or caregivers who present valid identification and a registry card.
Pharmacist Consultation: Each dispensary must employ qualified pharmacists to advise patients and caregivers on the appropriate use and dosages of medical cannabis products. Before dispensing, a pharmacist must consult with the patient or caregiver and recommend a daily dosage, which is recorded in the registry.
Supply Limitations: Dispensaries can provide a 30-day supply initially, followed by up to a 90-day supply based on the pharmacist's recommendation. However, they cannot dispense to a patient or caregiver who, based on previous dispensing and recommended dosage, should have more than a 7-day supply.
Advertising Prohibitions: Dispensaries and prescribers are not allowed to advertise their services.
Price Setting and Sales: The office sets the price of medical cannabis products, sufficient only to recoup product and operational costs.
Enforcement and Penalties: The office may conduct investigations and impose penalties for violations of the bill’s provisions. Penalties range from fines to removal from the patient and caregiver registry.
Legal Protections: Lawful use or possession of medical cannabis products cannot be used against patients in child custody or placement decisions. Also, financial institutions serving licensed cannabis entities are not in violation of certain financial statutes.
Initial Fees and Licensing: The bill specifies initial fees for grower licenses ($10,000), processor licenses ($50,000), and laboratory licenses ($5,000).
Effective Date: The act takes effect on the first day of the 7th month following its publication.
**Please vote in the poll below, and leave your feedback of the Wisconsin Medical 🌱 Bill Proposal in the comments section. We will share the results with your elected officials!
- The Let's Legalize Wisconsin Team
Do you feel the Proposed Bill is a good start for Cannabis Legalization in Wisconsin?
Yes, this is a good Bill
No, this is not a good Bill