Legalizing medical marijuana gets first public hearing
Associated PressMADISON, Wis. — A Republican-authored bill to legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin will be getting its first public hearing next week, achieving one goal of backers and the latest sign of progress for those who want to loosen the state’s laws. But the April 20 Senate committee hearing on the medical marijuana bill will give supporters their highest profile chance to make the case for loosening Wisconsin’s marijuana laws. Democratic Sen. Melissa Agard, the chief proponent for full legalization, said holding a hearing on the bill after the Legislature had adjourned was “a cynical political ploy that gives people false hope about the prospects of this legislation.” Agard said she was encouraged that people will have a chance to testify, but she was disappointed it didn’t happen while the Legislature was in session. Felzkowski introduced the same medical marijuana bill last session but it died without a hearing.