Dozens of apparent marijuana plants sprouted in a tulip garden outside the Wisconsin state Capitol, but it is unclear whether they were actually marijuana or hemp. The state Department of Administration removed the plants, with a spokeswoman stating they were unable to determine their true identity. University of Wisconsin-Madison botanist Shelby Ellison examined the plants before they were removed and suggested that they were cannabis plants intentionally planted in the garden, rather than accidentally growing there.
While both marijuana and hemp are forms of cannabis, only marijuana contains the compound that induces a high. Marijuana is still illegal in all forms in Wisconsin, even though a bill was introduced by Assembly Republicans during the previous session that would have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. However, the bill did not receive enough support in the state Senate and was never given a hearing.
The presence of the cannabis plants outside the state Capitol has raised questions about how they ended up in the tulip garden. It is unclear whether they were deliberately planted by someone or if the seeds were accidentally scattered in the garden. The number of plants discovered by Ellison suggested that they were intentionally planted, as it would be unlikely for that many plants to grow in the area accidentally.
The botanist who examined the plants, Shelby Ellison, initially stated that they were cannabis plants, but later clarified that she could not definitively determine whether they were marijuana or hemp. This uncertainty adds to the mystery surrounding the plants found on the Capitol grounds. The Department of Administration spokeswoman did not respond to questions about how the plants may have entered the garden, further complicating the situation.
The discovery of the cannabis plants outside the Wisconsin state Capitol has sparked speculation and intrigue, as it remains unclear how they ended up there. Despite efforts to determine whether the plants were marijuana or hemp, their true identity remains unknown. With marijuana still illegal in the state, the presence of these plants has raised questions about potential legal implications, as well as how they may have been planted in the tulip garden.
The unsuccessful attempt to harvest the apparent marijuana plants from the Capitol grounds highlights the continuing debate around marijuana legalization in Wisconsin. While some lawmakers have pushed for legalization for medical purposes, the lack of support has prevented any significant change in legislation. The unexpected appearance of cannabis plants outside the Capitol adds a new layer to the ongoing discussion and brings attention to the complexities of marijuana laws in the state.
