Madison Reporter

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers couldn’t be clearer about what he is thinking when it comes to the growing debate about legalizing the sale of marijuana across the state.

“It's about darn time we listen to the people and legalize and tax marijuana in Wisconsin, much like we already do with alcohol,” Evers recently posted to Twitter, continuing a campaign where he has sought to legalize the drug only to see it blocked by Republican-controlled legislatures despite public support for the move being on the rise.

From Wisconsin to Dane and Eau Claire counties, voters have come out in mass in aligning themselves with the movement to legalize, while WISN.com reports residents in Kenosha, Racine, Appleton, Stevens Point and Superior are also in lockstep with the plan.

"At some point in time, the will of the people will become the law of the land," Evers added. "We will have a budget that includes legalizing marijuana," Evers told reporters Wednesday.

Even as public support for the change seems to grow by the day, Evers knows it won’t come easily, with UW-LaCrosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky recently telling reporters "I certainly don't think we're going to see the wholesale legalization of marijuana in Wisconsin, because the Republicans in the legislature simply do not support that."

Chergosky added he can see a scenario where the legislature ultimately moves to vote to legalize marijuana exclusively for medical use.

"It would be one way for Republicans to try to find some common ground with the governor," he said.