Wisconsin Republicans Propose Banning Hemp THC Products

Republican state lawmakers are proposing a ban on hemp products like
THC-infused vaporizers, gummies and other edibles, and beverages, WISN
reports.

Lawmakers say the bill aims to close a so-called “loophole” in the federal
hemp legalization policy that has allowed intoxicating hemp products to
proliferate throughout the U.S.

The bill proposes redefining hemp under state law to include total THC
content. The bill would also ban synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8 THC,
which occurs naturally in tiny quantities in cannabis plants, but can be
synthesized for commercial practability from more abundant cannabinoids —
like cannabidiol (CBD), which can be sourced from federally legal hemp
crops.

In presenting the proposal to the Legislature, supporting lawmakers
referenced a 2024 incident in which 85 people became ill, according to
health officials, due to a shared kitchen space mix-up involving
THC-infused cooking oil.

Wisconsin has a medical cannabis program, but adult-use cannabis is not
legal. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ latest state budget proposal would have
established adult-use cannabis regulations, but Republican lawmakers
jettisoned the legalization language in May.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said he was
weighing an executive order to crack down on the intoxicating hemp products
industry after lawmakers failed to pass hemp THC regulations.