Wisconsin business owners weigh in on potential marijuana legalization

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Wisconsin, while neighboring states such as Michigan and Illinois have legalized it. Business owners and advocacy groups are weighing in on what legalization could mean for the state.

Governor-elect David Crowley, a Democrat, said Wisconsin should legalize marijuana.

“I believe that we have missed the boat and we need to legalize marijuana… people are fleeing this state to actually go get a product that they want, enjoy,” Crowley said.

Michigan dispensary draws Wisconsin customers

Wisconsin customers are taking their business across state lines, according to Nilsson Davis, owner of Elevated Exotics in Menominee, Michigan. Davis said Wisconsin customers have made up about half of his business over the last four to five years.

“We’ve done over 30 million in sales to Wisconsin residents… we think that we have a good following in Wisconsin,” Davis said.

Davis said that if Wisconsin legalizes marijuana, his company wants to enter the market. He said the company has plans for as many as 12 stores across the state.

Local owner wants state to keep customers, tax revenue

Trevor Johnson, owner of Green Bay Cannabis Co., said local businesses should have a chance at that market instead of watching customers and tax dollars go elsewhere.

“Someone’s going to get it, so it might as well be our state that takes our own Wisconsin residents and takes the tax revenue from that, instead of giving it to the surrounding states,” Johnson said.

Wisconsin Family Action opposes legalization

Not everyone sees legalization as an opportunity. Wisconsin Family Action said the potential tax revenue is not worth the risk.

“Wisconsin already has a substance abuse problem, bringing recreational marijuana to the state will only escalate those issues,” said Dan Degner, president and CEO of Wisconsin Family Action.

What lawmakers decide next

If Wisconsin opens the door to legalized marijuana, local businesses could see a new industry. Whether that growth occurs will depend on what lawmakers decide next.

Click here to download the WSAW news app or WSAW First Alert weather app.

Click here to submit a news tip or story idea.