High profile democratic gubernatorial candidate Matt Flynn supports legal marijuana in WI with referendum

The governor's race just got a whole lot more interesting.

High profile democratic contender Matt Flynn has now thrown the issue of legal marijuana into the debate.

On Tuesday, the former head of the democratic party in the state issued a detailed release on why he supports legal use of marijuana in Wisconsin.

But he says he will only follow through if a majority of Wisconsinites also vote in favor on legalizing  pot.

“Having reviewed the results of legalization in other states, I now believe Wisconsin should legalize marijuana,” said Flynn k the statement. “I am concerned about the impact of mass incarceration on our society, including both the social and financial impact. Under present law, people can easily acquire a felony record that effectively bars them from most employment for the rest of their lives. The financial burden on the criminal justice system is also unacceptable.”

Flynn said legalizing marijuana recognizes a fact of life for many people and the increasing number of senior citizens who use it for pain relief.

He insists the increased tax revenue, while a benefit, is not the main reason for supporting legalization.

Flynn is calling on state lawmakers to put a non-binding referendum on the ballot in the November election of 2018, asking voters if they support the legalization and sale of marijuana. If the measure passes, Flynn would push the state legislature to pass legalization, regulation, and taxation legislation.