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Hemp is Cannabis

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Contact us via email: john@joinwccr.org

WCCR is a Trade Association uniting the core elements of the cannabis supply chain: farmers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and other key stakeholders.

This unified effort is dedicated to the responsible advancement and professional standardization of the cannabis industry in Wisconsin. Our goal is clear: speak with one voice to drive smart policy and ensure sustainable growth for Wisconsin’s cannabis industry.

Our purpose is to provide you with a comprehensive update on the rapidly shifting landscape of our industry at both the state and federal levels. We want to ensure you are aware of these critical events so you can follow the progress and make informed decisions for your business.

We want to thank you for your continued trust in us during these difficult times.

Here is the breakdown of where we stand…

WISCONSIN STATE UPDATES:
The Battle for Hemp

  1. The Status of AB 606 (The Three-Tier Bill) Following the federal movement on H.R. 5371 (more on that below), Assembly Bill 606 (AB 606) does not appear to have the votes needed to move forward to the Assembly floor at this time. While this is a positive signal, we remain vigilant. As of today, a fiscal estimate was reported to the committee, and the bill remains open. It retains significant backing from powerful alcohol business groups within the state who wish to monopolize distribution. We may not be out of the woods yet.
  2. New Democratic Effort: Senate Bill 644 On November 14th, Senate Bill 644 was introduced. This bill aims to prohibit individuals under age 21 from accessing intoxicating hemp products and provides penalties. This messaging bill attempted to frame a more reasonable regulatory structure and show public alignment with farmers, small businesses, and hemp consumers. Though unlikely to pass under Republican control, it provided a meaningful counterpoint and reset the narrative.
  3. A Potential Path Forward? The Testin/Kurtz Regulatory Bill 4974 As of yesterday, a new bill is being circulated for co-sponsorship by Senator Patrick Testin and Rep. Tony Kurtz.

This marks a notable moment. These two lawmakers were instrumental in securing the hemp vape ban exemption that saved many of us from the worst of the budget restrictions. They are stepping back into the arena with a proposal that could be pivotal.

What the Bill Does: According to communication from Senator Testin’s office, the bill aims to replace the current “wild west” environment with structured regulation. It acknowledges that the 2018 Farm Bill created a multi-billion dollar market for Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids (HDCs) that lacks federal oversight. Key provisions include:

  • Age Restriction: Mandatory 21+ for purchase.
  • Truth-in-Labeling: Clear requirements for product contents.
  • Independent Testing: Mandatory third-party COAs.
  • Beverage Potency Limits: Specific caps for liquid consumables.
Why This Matters: This bill appears to contain the common-sense regulations our industry has long requested. If passed, it could establish a stable, legal framework that negates the need for “hemp killing” bills like AB 606. Furthermore, if we succeed in overturning the federal ban (H.R. 5371) next year, having this state-level infrastructure in place will be vital for our survival.

FEDERAL UPDATES:
The “Ban” and The Fight Back

  1. The Federal Threat: As many of you know, H.R. 5371 was passed to reopen the government. Buried inside was language that effectively bans the sale of hemp products with more than 0.4 mg THC cap per container. Advocacy groups note this language would ban the vast majority of products sold today, from dedicated CBD shops to truck stops. The bill requires this new language to go into effect in one year.
  2. The Strategy to Overturn We are not accepting this as the final word. Groups like HIFA (Hemp Industry and Farmers of America), the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, and hundreds of businesses are already mobilizing to overturn this ban before it takes effect.

We understand Congress needed to reopen the government. But the McConnell-Harris hemp restrictions buried in that bill will destroy 325,000 American jobs, devastate thousands of farmers, and force consumers to the black market.

America knows Congress is fast-tracking a fix for other controversial provisions. Tell them to do the SAME for the hemp industry.

Action Step: Contact your Representatives and Senators today. The Message: “Use the one-year implementation period to FIX the hemp ban and implement common-sense regulations instead. President Trump built this industry in 2018. Congress must honor that legacy and protect American farmers, workers, and businesses. Let’s save American hemp.”

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PrimeProofAlthough there are many challenges swinging our way, the industry is awake, active, and finally working together. We hope this email provides the clarity you need to make informed decisions for your business.

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