Republicans Aim to Close THC Loophole in Wisconsin

OG Article By Elly Laliberte

September 23 2025

Overview

Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin propose a bill to close a THC loophole in hemp laws. The move follows an incident where 85 people consumed contaminated pizza in Stoughton.

Bill Details

The legislation redefines legal hemp to:

• Include total THC (delta-9 THC and THCA).

• Limit “industrial hemp” to fiber, textiles, or research purposes.

• Ban hemp-derived products for human or animal use if they:

  • Contain synthetic cannabinoids.

  • Include non-natural cannabinoids.

  • Have THC or intoxicating effects.

Background

Wisconsin Act 100 (2017) legalized industrial hemp but unintentionally allowed THC products. Representative Lindee Brill (R-Sheboygan Falls), the bill’s lead author, says it restores the law’s original intent.

Industry Concerns

Hemp business owners oppose the bill. Brook Bartels, opening a Madison Extracts dispensary, warns it could destroy jobs and revenue. He advocates regulation over bans, citing thriving markets in neighboring states.

Defense of the Bill

Brill argues the hemp industry exploited an unintended loophole. She defends the bill as necessary to clarify legal boundaries.

Current Status

The bill is circulating for co-sponsorship among lawmakers.