Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers plans to propose decriminalizing the possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana in his annual state budget proposal this year, he announced on Monday.
In the statement, Evers said he also seeks to legalize medical marijuana and attempt to align the state's regulations on cannabidiol, or CBD oil, with federal standards.
"As a cancer survivor, I know the side effects of a major illness can make everyday tasks a challenge,” Evers said. “People shouldn't be treated as criminals for accessing a desperately-needed medication that can alleviate their suffering."
The governor also wants to address the social and racial justice aspect of marijuana use, according to his statement, as Wisconsin has the highest incarceration rate in the nation for black men, and drug-related crimes account for as many as 75-85 percent of all inmates in the state.
The governor’s plan also would expunge the criminal records of those who have completed their sentences for possessing, manufacturing or distributing less than 25 grams of marijuana.
"Too many people, often persons of color, spend time in our criminal justice system just for possessing small amounts of marijuana. That doesn't make our communities stronger or safer," Evers said. "This shouldn't be a Republican issue or Democratic issue, and I look forward to working on both sides of the aisle to pass this proposal in my budget."
The proposals by Evers, a Democrat, could face opposition in the state's legislative assembly, as both the state Senate and General Assembly are currently controlled by Republicans, The Hill reported.
Evers's plan comes a week after Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden introduced a bill to “responsibly legalize, tax and regulate marijuana at the federal level."