The leading prohibitionist in the Assembly, Rep. Jesse James was a co-sponsor of the 2019 Republican attempt to create a medical marijuana program (the “pill bill” that did not allow smoking products or home grows).
He has been outspoken as wanting to be the lead on stopping recreational marijuana reform from happening in Wisconsin. Long time prohibitionist and mega rich man Senator Duey Stroebel was listening when Rep. James was mouthing off, and the two have collaborated to concentrate on finding some way to increase penalties for cannabis use.
During the 2021 legislation session, Rep. Jesse James circulated a bill to increase the penalty levels for BHO, butane hash oil products, both manufacturing and simple possession. Author of SB 440 - Butane Hash Oil Enhanced Penalty Bill
- Born Eau Claire, Wisconsin, April 16, 1972; married; 4 children.
- Graduate Eau Claire North High School, 1990; Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire (associate degree in Police Science, 2001; Emergency Medical Responder, 2015; Entry level, Fire I, Fire II Firefighter, 2016); University of Wisconsin-Madison Command College (Certified Public Manager, 2017).
- Small business owner. Served in the U.S. Army Air Defense, 1990-93; U.S. Army Reserves (Medic), 1993–96; Persian Gulf War veteran; Former warehouse specialist; police officer; SWAT team member; firefighter.
- Member: Jacob’s Well Security Team Advisor/Trainer.
- Former member: Boy Scouts of America (Cubmaster); YMCA (basketball coach); AYSO (soccer coach); Eau Claire United Soccer Club (soccer coach).
- Elected to Assembly 2018.
Member of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Council on