Wisconsin Lawmakers Seek Stricter Regulations for Hemp-Derived THC

A bill proposed in Wisconsin seeks to impose stricter regulations on hemp-derived THC products, Urban Milwaukee reports. The Assembly Committee on State Affairs last week advanced a proposal to rename the Division of Alcohol Beverages as the Division of Intoxicating Products and expand its authority to include hemp-derived substance regulation.  

The measure would allow hemp-derived products in six forms – single-serve beverages, multi-serving beverages, tinctures, edibles, inhalable products, and transdermal products – and apply many of the same rules as alcohol, including the minimum purchase age, driving under the influence and open-container laws, set a legal intoxication limit, and a 2 a.m. through 6 a.m. sales cutoff. It would also impose an occupational tax, which would require establishments to obtain permits, and set rules for product testing, labeling, potency, and packaging. 

State Rep. Christine Sinicki (D) told Urban Milwaukee that farmers, manufacturers, and retailers of hemp-derived THC products “were not part of … discussions” around the proposal.   

The legislation comes on the heels of President Donald Trump (R) signing a bill to fund the federal government through January, which includes a ban on most hemp-derived THC products, taking effect in one year.  

The Wisconsin bill still requires approval from the full House and the Senate before moving to Gov. Tony Evers (R) for final approval.