Wisconsin bill redefines hemp, tightens THC limits to crack down on intoxicating products on store shelves

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October 06 2025

The Issue

Wisconsin lawmakers aim to close a legal gap. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its cannabinoids, like THCA, delta-8, HHC, THCV, and CBD. Intoxicating products—drinks, vapes, edibles, smokable buds—flood store shelves. A $3 billion industry emerged.

The Proposal

Reps. Lindee Brill and Jim Piwowarczyk introduced a bill on Sept. 30. It redefines hemp, capping total THC (including THCA) at 0.3%. Most psychoactive hemp products would be banned. Industrial hemp and CBD remain legal. No age limit for CBD is set. Nine Assembly and four Senate co-sponsors back it. No committee review yet.

Industry Impact

The bill threatens dispensaries and smoke shops. Many face inventory losses after a recent FDA-unapproved tobacco vape ban. Justin Letizia, co-owner of Canna Bloom Farmacy, says 99% of hemp businesses could close. Letizia supports regulation—testing and a 21+ age limit—but urges collaboration to protect the industry’s economic contributions.

Public Health Concerns

Lawmakers prioritize safety. Piwowarczyk cites constituent complaints, including a delta-8 gummy incapacitating an adult. A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation revealed rising illnesses nationwide. From 2021–2023, over half of 8,000 delta-8-related poison center calls involved children. In 2024, a third of Wisconsin’s 145 poison center reports concerned kids under 12. Milwaukee sets a 21+ age limit, but no statewide rule exists.

How It Works

Current law limits delta-9 THC to 0.3%, per the Farm Bill. Other intoxicating compounds, like THCA, evade restriction. THCA becomes THC when burned, exceeding legal limits. THCP, derived from CBD, can be 33 times stronger than THC. The bill bans THCA, THCP, synthetic cannabinoids, and caps total THC at 0.3%.

Precedent

Tennessee banned THCA and synthetic cannabinoids, effective January 2026. THCA accounted for 60% of hemp revenue, per Tennessee Cannabis. Public health drove the decision.

The Debate

Lawmakers argue health risks outweigh economic gains. Brill says, “Public safety of our children trumps their business.” Letizia calls for balanced regulation to preserve jobs and growth.