There have been recent murmurs about the possibility of legalizing medical marijuana in Wisconsin. But these proposals have stalled as lawmakers have been unable to agree on the parameters of legalizing medical marijuana. Currently, there is a patchwork of laws governing the use and possession of marijuana in Wisconsin – some that effectively decriminalize it and others that consider possession a felony offense.

Soon, Wisconsin is likely to be surrounded by states where marijuana is legal for recreational use. A recent analysis from the Wisconsin Policy Forum called Changing Midwest Marijuana Landscape Impacts Wisconsin finds that half of all Wisconsinites over 21 can drive an hour and half from their homes to a legal dispensary in a nearby state.

Illinois and Michigan have both legalized recreational marijuana, and Minnesota is likely to legalize it this year. Although Wisconsin voters have shown support for legalizing recreational and medical marijuana in non-binding referendums, talks on legalizing medical marijuana have stalled. Republican leaders have made it clear they will not support legalizing recreational marijuana, despite proposals from Democratic leaders and its popularity among voters.

In each state, the legalization of recreational or medical marijuana has looked different, each using a different system for taxes and eligibility requirements.