Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates Commit to Advancing Cannabis Reform Measures

Six Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor have publicly pledged to push for marijuana legalization and support the state's hemp industry if elected, according to Marijuana Moment. Speaking at a forum organized by a cannabis advocacy group, the candidates emphasized not only their commitment to advancing legalization but also their willingness to use the governor's pardon authority for cannabis-related offenses. This coordinated show of support marks one of the clearest signals yet that cannabis policy will be a central issue in the upcoming gubernatorial race

Elsewhere in the U.S., cannabis policy developments continue to accelerate. In Virginia, lawmakers are considering including recreational marijuana sales reform in the state's budget legislation following Governor Abigail Spanberger's recent veto of legalization bills. Meanwhile, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill that will double the number of medical cannabis dispensaries and allow out-of-state residents with Iowa healthcare provider certifications to register in the program. In Wyoming, Attorney General Keith Kautz issued a formal objection to the automatic rescheduling of marijuana under state law, which would be triggered by federal reclassification

State-level reforms are also gaining traction in Pennsylvania, where the House of Representatives passed a bill authorizing the use of medical cannabis by terminally ill patients in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear touted the state's progress on medical cannabis, stating, “Medical cannabis has been found to decrease dependency on dangerous opioids and help people suffering reclaim their lives.” Alabama is set to open its first medical cannabis dispensary, while Minnesota extended deadlines for grants to help farmers and organizations enter the cannabis sector

Local and federal actions further reflect the evolving cannabis landscape. In Los Angeles, voters approved a measure to tax unlicensed cannabis businesses. On Capitol Hill, several bills related to federal legalization, hemp regulation, and delaying recriminalization of certain hemp THC products gained new cosponsors. The regulatory conversation continues in New York, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C., with each state addressing unique challenges around cannabis product sourcing, hemp-derived products, and dispensary licensing

Scientific research continues to inform policy debates, with recent studies finding no increase in pediatric THC use following state legalization and highlighting cannabidiol's potential to alleviate chemotherapy-induced cognitive decline. Advocacy organizations, such as Disabled American Veterans, are also spotlighting alternative therapies for veterans. In the business world, Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. announced a 1-for-3 reverse stock split, signaling continued financial maneuvering in the sector

OG Lab notes that the sustained momentum behind cannabis reform at both state and federal levels—combined with strong public commitments from gubernatorial candidates—demonstrates that cannabis policy is likely to remain a high-profile issue in the 2026 election cycle. Stakeholders should watch closely as these pledges translate into concrete legislative action and as research and business developments further shape the industry