Democratic Governor Tony Evers announced Monday morning that his budget will include proposals to legalize medical marijuana and decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use.

“I believe, and I know the people of Wisconsin overwhelmingly believe, that people shouldn't be treated like criminals for accessing medicine that can change or maybe even save their lives,” Governor Evers said.

Under the proposal, a physician, or practitioner under the direction of a physician, could recommend the use of medical marijuana to help treat conditions like cancer, glaucoma, and PTSD.

“Everyday I step out of my door, I have to worry about being convicted of a crime, and I think that's a shame,” Steve Acheson of Wisconsin Veterans for Compassionate Care said. “There's way too many of our fellow veterans dying from overprescription and suicide. We need an alternative and we need an off-ramp.”

The proposal would also align Wisconsin's laws on CBD oil with federal standards and decriminalize possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana for personal use.

“The bottom line is that we're spending too much money prosecuting and incarcerating people, and often people of color, for non-violent crimes related to possessing small amounts of marijuana,” Evers said.

An expungement process would also be created for people who have completed their sentence or probation for possession of marijuana.

“African-Americans make up about six percent of the population in our state," State Rep. David Crowley (D-Milwaukee) said. “However, we make up almost 40 percent of our prison population. That is unjust.”

Right now, it's not clear if the Republican-controlled legislature will approve the plan.

“We'll take a look at his [Evers'] details and have a caucus discussion on that at some point,” State Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) said.

Monday afternoon, State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) released the following statement: 

“Without having specific details, his proposal appears to go too far. It makes it easier to get recreational marijuana and provides a pathway to full legalization, which I do not support. I’m open to medical marijuana when it’s prescribed by a doctor but it has to be done in a targeted way without allowing recreational use.”

Governor Evers is set to deliver his state budget address on Thursday, February 28th.