November 3, 2026, General Election
This year’s elections will be key to whether Wisconsin finally elects a legislature and a governor who is willing to pass medical cannabis legislation, decriminalization, or a legalization law. In the governor’s race, legalization supporter David Crowley (D) is squaring off against candidate Tom Tiffany (R), who only supports medical marijuana. Meanwhile, every seat in the state assembly and half of the state Senate are on the ballot. The results will be crucial to whether — and how — Wisconsin cannabis policy evolves.
To help inform voters, MPP has created this voting guide, where we ranked state assembly candidates based on their support for creating a medical cannabis program, decriminalization, as well as legalization. It also includes comments — and sponsorship — for some candidates who support adult-use legalization. The voter guide includes information from incumbents’ voting record on medical cannabis, bill sponsorship, and replies to our candidate survey.
Here are the questions we asked legislative candidates:
You can find your Wisconsin state Senate and Assembly member by looking up your address here. You can find your sample ballot here and confirm your status as a voter here. Monday, October 14th, is the last day to register to vote in the 2026 general election. Early voting begins October 20th.
David Crowley (D)
State of Wisconsin
Currently an executive for Milwaukee County and was previously a member of the state assembly, representing the state’s 17th district. He has voiced support for full legalization on multiple occasions when asked by journalists. He also stated on X in April 2026, “WI is falling behind. Legalizing marijuana is about fairness, growth, and common sense. Outdated laws hurt communities and waste resources. As governor, I will legalize it and invest the revenue in schools, infrastructure, and small businesses.”
Tom Tiffany (R)
State of Wisconsin
Currently a sitting assembly member in Wisconsin, representing District 7 since 2020. He explains on his campaign website that he does support a medical marijuana program for Wisconsin. His policy position under the “Health and Childcare” section states, “I support legalizing medical marijuana in Wisconsin through a responsible program that gives veterans, those suffering from chronic pain, and other patients access to the treatment they need.” He also notes that regulation, age requirements, and oversight are a must as well. Background: Wisconsin is one of only nine states that does not have a medical cannabis, decriminalization, or adult-use legalization law.
Mike Bellagio (R)
District 62
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Subject to specific constraints, I maintain a firm stance against vaping products, as I believe they pose a significant risk of attracting minors.
Christopher Able (D)
District 25
Supports Medical Cannabis
This should be a patient & doctor decision, not the government's.
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
We should be looking into this anyway as literally millions in tax dollars keep going just over State lines. That's silly.
Mike Morgan (D)
District 13
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
However, I was arrested for simple possession in Milwaukee in 1982 and only received a civil fine that was eventually removed from my record.
Supports Legal Market
Andy Wuethrich (D)
District 86
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Stephanie Stuve Bodeen (D)
District 70
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Cannabis should be legal so that this is a non-issue.
Supports Legal Market
Cannabis should be legal in Wisconsin.
Christian Phelps (D)
District 93
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Priscilla A. Prado (D)
District 9
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Legalizing marijuana in Wisconsin would be a straightforward opportunity to generate new tax revenue while keeping those dollars here in Wisconsin. Right now, Wisconsin is quite literally giving away millions to Illinois and other neighboring states, where our residents go to purchase legal cannabis! Wisconsin voters have repeatedly shown support for legalization, and it will be a high priority for me and my Democratic colleagues next session should we earn the majority.
Matt Philibert (D)
District 98
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Paul Tittl (R)
District 25
Supports Medical Cannabis
Needs More Information About Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Maybe Supports Legal Market
Lori Palmeri (D)
District 54
Supports Medical Cannabis
Needs More Information About Legal Protections
Depends on employment and safe operating of heavy equipment
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Randy Udell (D)
District 47
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
John Fons (R)
District 79
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Does Not Support Reducing to Civil Fine
Does Not Support Legal Market
Maureen McCarville (D)
District 42
Supports Medical Cannabis
Medical decisions should be up to the doctor & patient
Supports Legal Protections
I believe in guard rails
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
folks will go to neighboring states if not allowed here.
John Rindy (D)
District 49
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Shandowlyon Reaves (R)
District 11
Supports Medical Cannabis
Yes. I support allowing seriously ill and dying patients to access a limited amount of cannabis for medical purposes when recommended by their doctors. I completed the Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture Certificate offered by the University of Wisconsin–Platteville in partnership with Green Flower. My studies covered cannabis production, cultivation, plant care, and the management of diseases, pests, and other threats to cannabis plants. I also attended a Benzinga cannabis conference in Chicago as a Benzinga Scholar and attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison Cannabis Conference. These experiences have broadened my understanding of cannabis cultivation, the cannabis industry, and the policy questions surrounding its use. My support for a medical cannabis program is focused on access for seriously ill and dying patients under a doctor’s recommendation. My answer to this question should not be interpreted as a position on adult-use legalization, which is a separate policy question.
Needs More Information About Legal Protections
I support establishing a medical cannabis program for seriously ill and dying patients when recommended by their doctors. However, I would like to review the specific employment, housing, and custody protections proposed for registered patients before taking a position on those provisions. I believe the public should have an opportunity to provide input through a legislative public hearing or, if pursued through the appropriate legislative process, a referendum. I would want to hear from patients and their families, medical professionals, employers, housing providers, and those responsible for protecting children’s welfare before determining how these safeguards should be written into law.
Undecided/Need more information
I would need to review the specific legislative proposal before taking a position. In particular, I would want to understand how the law defines a “modest amount,” the proposed civil fine, how repeat offenses would be addressed, and any applicable exceptions or public-safety provisions. I am open to reviewing changes to possession penalties, but I would not commit to a particular approach without examining those details and considering public input.
Supports Legal Market
Yes. If federal law changes to permit a regulated adult-use cannabis market, I support Wisconsin establishing a legal market with clear rules and safeguards. Wisconsin would need to enact comprehensive legislation addressing business licensing, minimum age requirements, product testing and safety standards, labeling, and enforcement. These provisions should be established before a legal market begins operating. A regulated market could create opportunities for business development, entrepreneurship, and job creation, while also providing a source of tax revenue for Wisconsin. I would want the Legislature to consider those economic opportunities and potential revenues alongside the costs of administering and enforcing the program. My support is contingent on federal law permitting an adult-use market and Wisconsin establishing an appropriate regulatory framework.
Paul Johnson (D)
District 74
Supports Medical Cannabis
Decisions for treatment should not be controlled by the government.
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Avoid the civil fine and legalize recreational use..
Supports Legal Market
Ismael Luna (D)
District 8
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
I support legalizing and regulating adult-use cannabis in Wisconsin regardless of what happens federally, and I would strongly support state action if federal rescheduling or de-scheduling occurs. I favor a framework that protects small businesses and farmers, prevents monopolization, includes automatic expungement for past convictions, and reinvests revenue in the communities most harmed by prohibition.
Christine Maltese (D)
District 72
Supports Medical Cannabis
I support establishing a carefully regulated medical cannabis program in Wisconsin for patients with serious medical conditions when recommended by their healthcare provider. Patients and their doctors should be able to consider appropriate treatment options without forcing Wisconsin residents to leave the state or seek unregulated alternatives. Any program should include clear standards for qualifying conditions, product safety and testing, dosage and labeling, licensed providers and dispensaries, and safeguards against misuse. This should be approached as a healthcare issue, with patient safety and responsible medical oversight at the center.
Supports Legal Protections
Registered medical cannabis patients should not lose employment, housing, or custody rights simply because they are following a lawful treatment plan recommended by their healthcare provider. At the same time, protections should include reasonable safeguards for employers, landlords, children, and public safety. Medical use should not excuse impairment at work, particularly in safety-sensitive positions. The goal should be to protect legitimate patients from discrimination while establishing clear and responsible standards for everyone involved.
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
I support treating possession of a modest amount of cannabis as a civil rather than criminal offense. A criminal record can have consequences far beyond the original offense, affecting employment, housing and educational opportunities. The penalty should be proportionate to the conduct. This does not mean there should be no consequences; a civil fine can still provide accountability without creating a criminal record that may follow someone for years. Serious offenses involving impaired driving, distribution to minors or other threats to public safety should remain separate matters with appropriate penalties.
Supports Legal Market
If federal law changes, I would support Wisconsin establishing a carefully regulated legal cannabis market rather than maintaining a blanket state prohibition. Any legislation should include age restrictions, product testing and labeling, licensing requirements, limits on impaired driving, protections for children, and appropriate local oversight. Wisconsin should also learn from the experiences of states that have already legalized cannabis—both what has worked and what has not. If legalization moves forward, public health, public safety, responsible regulation and community input should guide how Wisconsin implements it.
Amy Zimmerman (D)
District 13
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Merlin Van Buren (D)
District 34
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Alexia Unertl (D)
District 4
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
John Perryman (D)
District 31
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D)
District 90
Supports Medical Cannabis
I have been a strong advocate for legalizing cannabis in Wisconsin because our current system no longer makes sense for our communities. I coauthored comprehensive legislation to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis, establish a medical cannabis program, and create a pathway to address past marijuana-related convictions. Wisconsin continues to lose jobs, economic activity, and tax revenue to neighboring states that have already acted. I believe we can create a responsible system with strong regulations, support local communities, and stop criminalizing adults for something that is legal across much of the country. I will continue working to move Wisconsin forward on legalizing cannibus
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Absolutley! And was a lead author for this bill during our legislative session.
Supports Legal Market
Simran Arora (R)
District 80
Supports Medical Cannabis
I support enacting a carefully regulated medical cannabis program in Wisconsin that allows seriously ill and dying patients to safely access cannabis when recommended by their physician. Patients facing serious medical conditions should have access to appropriate treatment options while ensuring strong safeguards, responsible regulation, and physician involvement.
Supports Legal Protections
Registered medical cannabis patients should have appropriate legal protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and family-custody matters when they are complying with the law. These protections should also recognize legitimate workplace safety requirements and the best interests and safety of children in custody decisions.
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
I support replacing criminal penalties with a civil fine for possession of modest amounts of cannabis. A low-level possession offense should not unnecessarily create a criminal record that can interfere with employment, housing, or educational opportunities. Any change should be accompanied by clear limits on the amount covered and appropriate public-safety protections.
Supports Legal Market
If federal law substantially reduces or removes cannabis prohibition, I would support legislation to establish a carefully regulated legal cannabis market in Wisconsin. Any such legislation should prioritize public safety, responsible regulation, appropriate age restrictions, and safeguards to prevent cannabis from being sold or accessed by minors.
Vinnie Miresse (D)
District 71
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Undecided/Need more information
I believe possession of modest amount should be completely legal. No fines, period.
Supports Legal Market
We are currently writing the bill now.
Matt Brown (D)
District 24
Supports Medical Cannabis
If cannabis gives relief to a patient that’s under a doctor’s care, then I think that would be considered appropriate health care.
Supports Legal Protections
I believe the same safeguards should be in place for registered patients as there are for any other legal medication.
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Possession is not a violent crime. The potential of destroying someone’s life is counterproductive.
Supports Legal Market
I see two considerations here. The added revenue to the state is one. The second having this industry regulated, means a clear set of rules and guidelines. Hopefully, no more ambiguity in the law.
Joey Marschall (D)
District 57
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Jodi Emerson (D)
District 91
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Scott Fleming (R)
District 15
Did Not Respond to Any Questions
Christopher Dean (I)
District 15
Supports Medical Cannabis
I believe that the use of Cannabis for medical purposes is long overdue in Wisconsin. It is my intention to remove any barrier to medical uses and provide a tax exemption to those using it under a doctors care.
Supports Legal Protections
Medicinal use of cannabis should not be treated differently than any other medication. Using cannabis as a reason to deny housing, employment, or custody should be treated as a discriminatory practice.
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
While I did chose that I would support this, It is my intention to remove the use of cannabis as a crime. If I am unable to effect legalization, it would be my secondary intent to reduce the legal ramifications as much as I am able.
Supports Legal Market
It is well past time that Wisconsin legalize the medical and recreational use of Cannabis. We need to start looking at the benefits of Legalization as the majority of Wisconsin supports it.
Gillian Battino (D)
District 29
Supports Medical Cannabis
I support establishing a carefully regulated medical cannabis program in Wisconsin. Seriously ill patients should be able to access cannabis safely when it is recommended by a licensed healthcare provider, with appropriate standards for product safety, dosage, labeling, and oversight.
Supports Legal Protections
Registered patients should not lose employment, housing, or custody rights solely because they participate lawfully in a medical cannabis program. These protections should preserve reasonable safeguards for workplace safety, impairment on the job, and the well-being of children.
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Possession of a modest amount of cannabis should not saddle someone with a criminal record that limits access to employment, housing, or education. I support replacing criminal penalties with a proportionate civil fine while maintaining strong penalties for impaired driving and illegal sales to minors.
Supports Legal Market
If federal prohibition is removed or substantially reduced, Wisconsin should establish a responsible, regulated cannabis market rather than continue an outdated system of prohibition. Any legislation should include strong consumer-safety standards, age restrictions, impaired-driving enforcement, local input, and a fair licensing and taxation structure.
Mark Spreitzer (D)
District 15
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
I support this regardless of what the federal government does, and I also support protecting our existing hemp industry, including low-dose hemp-derived THC products that are currently legal, but federally threatened.
Emily Tseffos (D)
District 19
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Jeff Foster (D)
District 23
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
I support legalization of recreational cannabis for individuals over 21 years old.
Supports Legal Market
Jenna Jacobson (D)
District 17
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Tim Carpenter (D)
District 3
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Thanks!
Dana Glasstein (D)
District 22
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Mike Van Someren (D)
District 33
Supports Medical Cannabis
Supports Legal Protections
Registered cannabis patients shouldn't generally face discrimination simply for following a treatment plan recommended by a doctor. Protections should distinguish lawful medical use from actual impairment or safety risks. Employers have to retain reasonable workplace safety standards, but a positive THC test alone should not establish impairment. Custody decisions should focus on the child's best interests. Lawful medical treatment should not cost someone their job, home, or family.
Supports Reducing to Civil Fine
Supports Legal Market
Yes. This is ultimately where I see the country moving and I believe cannabis should be treated much like alcohol and the tax and regulatory front. Misuse should be handled in a similar manner as alcohol abuse as well.