Tony Castañeda
Press Release

Tony Castañeda Calls for Legislation Legalizing Marijuana, Honoring Madison Icon Ben Masel

 

By - Apr 20th, 2026 07:27 pm

MADISON, WI — Tony Castañeda, candidate for Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District, calls for legislation legalizing marijuana and related products in the state of Wisconsin.

“When I first arrived in Madison in 1974, Ben Masel was one of the first people I was introduced to,” Castañeda recalled. “We quickly became friends as we were both active in the various political movements of the day.”

In 2011, the City of Madison declared April 20th to be “Ben Masel Day” for the advocacy work Ben did around cannabis rights and marijuana legalization efforts especially as the founder of the Annual Harvest Fest celebration and Weedstock.

“As your State Representative I will introduce the “Ben Masel Legalize It Bill”, legalizing marijuana and related products in the State of Wisconsin. We have been pouring millions of dollars into the coffers of surrounding states for too long and it’s time to bring that revenue home.”

Along for his work in cannabis advocacy, Ben was also known for his work as a fierce defender of free speech rights. “I am grateful to be asked to speak this year at the Ben Masel Day Celebration of Ben, Free Speech and Free Thought at Madison’s newest southside business,” said Castañeda. The event took place from 5-8pm at Friends Applaud Cafe & Bar at 1602 Gilson St on Monday evening.

“It is an honor to commemorate Ben’s life and commitment to free speech at the event with other local leaders. I hope that next Ben Masel Day, we can celebrate his life’s work with the passing of legislation to legalize marijuana in Wisconsin and invest that tax revenue in improving Wisconsinites’ lives.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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