Kim Butler (D) challenges Gae Magnafici (R)

As a candidate for office this elected official had made positives statements about supporting medical marijuana and decriminalization. Early in the legislation session she signed onto a bill to protect the privacy of firearms owners should Wisconsin ever go medical.

We had high hopes, as she is one of the limited number of elected officials a medical background. Her Spring 2019 GOP Survey showed over 68% supported medical marijuana and patients had high hopes she would sponsor legislation her first session.

Patients were disappointed she did not sign onto either version of the medical marijuana bills this session. Without sponsoring more legislation or co-sponsoring the current decriminalization bill, this elected official is holding a C- rating.

Holds office State Assembly District 28 representing parts of Polk and St. Croix Counties. Link to Full Scorecard Grade.

Position on Marijuana Legalization: Opposed

On marijuana, I will first say that I am not in favor of full legalization. I have seen what frequent marijuana use can do to a family and it is devastating. I have seen it in my own extended family.

Position on Marijuana Decriminalization:

Decriminalization of a small amount of marijuana is something that I would consider if elected to the State Assembly. I am committed to considering any bill that comes before me no matter who introduces or supports it. That is the job of a legislator.

Position on Medical Marijuana: Supported as a candidate in campaign statements:

There have been discussions recently about legalizing medical marijuana in Wisconsin. This is something that I am in favor of. I understand that cancer patients and people suffering from Parkinson’s disease can benefit greatly from using medical marijuana to control pain and manage symptoms. If medical marijuana leads to a better quality of life for seriously ill patients, then they should not be robbed of the possibility of some comfort without turning into a criminal.

Kim Bulter (D). Kim Butler is running for Assembly 28 to fight for healthcare, jobs, and education for our rural area. She will listen to and represent all her constituents. Kim believes we can grow our economy without sacrificing our environment. She will push for Badgercare for All, Medicaid expansion, and access to rural health care, mental health care, and addiction treatment.

We visited her website and found that she supports marijuana reform:

Cannabis

I support legalizing medical marijuana and decriminalizing recreational marijuana. Personally, I am fine with legalizing recreational use, but I would be open to a state wide referendum. Legalizing and regulating the sale of marijuana could bring much needed revenue to our state, and even reduce the state’s opioid and methamphetamine addiction rates by allowing people to self medicate with less harmful substances.