MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Tony Evers on Friday vetoed a Republican-backed bill that would have increased the penalties for making or distributing marijuana through a process that creates a highly concentrated version of marijuana known as butane hash oil.
Evers supports full legalization of marijuana and said he objected to creating additional penalties for marijuana use, which he said would be "another step in the wrong direction."
The Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association was the only group that registered in support of the measure, which was backed by Republicans and opposed by Democrats. Supporters argued that stronger penalties were needed to combat the use of the product often known as hash oil or honey oil.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, the use of butane hash oil is not new but is gaining in popularity due to the wider legalization of marijuana. The extraction process is dangerous and often involves butane, an odorless gas that easily ignites.
The product created has a highly concentrated level of THC, the main active chemical in cannabis.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.
Milwaukee fugitive captured in Mexico, sought for 2006 killing: FBI
The FBI says one of its top ten most wanted fugitives, Octaviano Juarez-Corro of Milwaukee, has been captured.
Milwaukee mayoral candidates discuss issues, hear from voters
Six Milwaukee mayoral candidates gathered at El Bethel Church for a forum to discuss issues, including crime, education and racial disparities.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Wisconsin bail reform: Suspect killed victim while out on $250
A Milwaukee man was out on bail for a domestic violence charge when he allegedly killed the victim, his ex-girlfriend, in 2021 – and that bail was set at just $250.