Representative Joel Kitchens is the latest Republican member of the Assembly to show his support for legalizing medical marijuana in Wisconsin. Originally introduced by Representatives Mary Felzkowski of Irma and Kathy Bernier of Chippewa Falls, the bill opens the door for certified medical professionals to cultivate, process, test, and dispense marijuana to people suffering from certain ailments. Kitchens says he believes marijuana does have certain medicinal qualities and the bill still keeps it tightly controlled.

The bill does have heavy opposition in the state Senate among his fellow Republicans, which Kitchens says makes it unlikely it will get to Governor Evers’ desk even if it passes the Assembly. Medicinal marijuana is currently legal in 33 states, including Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois.