Wisconsin Lawmakers Urged to Protect State's Hemp Industry

Hundreds of farmers, manufacturers, and retailers are counting on legislators to save the $700 million hemp industry and 3,500 jobs.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Wisconsin's thriving hemp industry, which generates an estimated $700 million in total production and employs 3,500 people, is facing an existential threat due to changes in the federal definition of hemp that will effectively criminalize most hemp-derived cannabinoid (HDC) products. State legislators have an opportunity to ensure the industry remains intact, but they must act quickly before the legislative session ends in March.

Why it matters

The hemp industry in Wisconsin has seen significant growth since the 2018 Farm Bill, providing consumers with access to hemp-derived cannabinoid products like CBD that have proven medical benefits. Allowing the industry to collapse would deprive Wisconsin residents of these products and cost hundreds of jobs across the state.

The details

The changes to the federal definition of hemp will take effect in November 2026, which would effectively end Wisconsin's hemp industry. Senator Patrick Testin and Representative Tony Kurtz have proposed legislation (Senate Bill 682) to regulate the industry and ensure its survival, but the bill must be passed before the legislative session ends in March. Hundreds of Wisconsin farmers, manufacturers, and retailers are counting on legislators to act to protect this $700 million industry and 3,500 jobs.

  • The federal definition of hemp will change in November 2026, effectively ending Wisconsin's hemp industry.
  • The Wisconsin Legislature is expected to adjourn in March 2026, so action must be taken before then.

The players

Senator Patrick Testin

A Republican state senator from Stevens Point who has proposed legislation to regulate Wisconsin's hemp industry.

Representative Tony Kurtz

A Republican state representative from Wonewoc who has co-sponsored legislation to regulate Wisconsin's hemp industry.

Dr. James E. Stoll

A Milwaukee orthopedic surgeon who has researched and used hemp-derived cannabinoids to help patients, and is urging the Wisconsin Legislature to protect the state's hemp industry.

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What they’re saying

“Now is not the time for party politics or special interests. Hundreds of Wisconsin farmers (470 according to the USDA), manufacturers, and retailers (and their estimated $700 million in total production and 3,500 employees) across the state are counting on their legislators—regardless of party affiliation – to do the right thing: vote for the common sense hemp regulation in Wisconsin being proposed by Senator Patrick Testin and Representative Tony Kurtz (Senate Bill 682).”

— Dr. James E. Stoll, Orthopedic Surgeon (shepherdexpress.com)

What’s next

The Wisconsin Legislature must pass Senator Patrick Testin and Representative Tony Kurtz's proposed legislation, Senate Bill 682, before the legislative session ends in March 2026 in order to protect the state's $700 million hemp industry and 3,500 jobs.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's hemp industry, which provides consumers with access to beneficial hemp-derived cannabinoid products and supports hundreds of farmers, manufacturers, and retailers, is at risk of collapsing due to changes in the federal definition of hemp. State legislators have a narrow window to act and pass common-sense regulations to ensure the industry's survival, protecting jobs and consumer access to these products.