News

Wisconsin hemp bill passes Senate Ag Committee

Wisconsin’s Industrial Hemp bill has made it through the Senate Ag Committee.  Republican Senator Patrick Testin is a co-author of the bill, and he is pleased with its progress.  “I feel very optimistic and I think we’ll be able to get this on the floor at the end of this month or early November for a vote in the full Senate.”

The bill has some challenges, including concerns by Senator Kathleen Vinehout about requiring tribes to get a license from the Department of Ag.  Testin says issues brought up during last week’s public hearing are being addressed.  “We are working on some amendments to address some of those concerns.  I’m currently working with Representative (Jesse) Kramer and Legislative Council to draft a sub-amendment for the bill that is going to address many of the concerns that Senator Vinehout brought up, and so hopefully that will avoid any future litigation on this.”

Democrats are also critical of the bill’s requirement for farmers to pass a background check before getting a permit, and the provision requiring farmers to destroy crops if they surpass a minimum THC level.  Unlike marijuana, hemp has very low THC levels.  Critics say destroying the farmer’s investment isn’t necessary.

A companion bill awaits action in the State Assembly.