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Wisconsin GOP Lawmakers Are Divided On How To Regulate Hemp THC Products

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3 weeks ago

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“We would like to work together … to make sure – in my humble opinion – that we protect our constituents, but also I think it’s necessary to protect an industry.”

Isiah Holmes, to the Wisconsin Examiner

Wisconsin lawmakers are pushing for competing visions for the state’s hemp future.

One proposal, (SB 682), was discussed at Thursday’s meeting of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue Committee.

The bill would create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabis products that would keep the state’s hemp industry afloat despite a federal ban that takes effect in November. Without state intervention, or the federal government choosing to reverse course, hemp growers and distributors fear Wisconsin’s $700 million industry and about 3,500 jobs will disappear.

Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), chairman of the Agriculture and Revenue Committee, introduced the bipartisan hemp bill to his committee, which he authored with bipartisan support.

Testin’s legislation would define hemp as any cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC (or the maximum concentration allowed by federal law of up to 1 percent, whichever is greater) and would define “hemp-derived cannabinoids” as compounds extracted from the hemp plant. THC concentrations would be determined using specific high-throughput test methods.

The bill would require Wisconsinites to be at least 21 years old to purchase hemp-derived cannabinoid products, which would require the products to undergo independent laboratory testing to ensure they contain the amount and type of cannabinoids described on the product label. This practice, known as true labeling, is something the hemp industry has called for in recent years.

The products could not be sold based on the invoice including contact information for the manufacturer or brand owner, serving sizes for each container of the product, including allergens, ingredient lists, labeled potency in milligrams, and required warnings. According to the bill, hemp-derived products could not contain more than 10 milligrams of THC in a single serving.

Testin said Thursday that the industrial hemp market was worth about $11 billion in 2025, and would grow to $48 billion by 2032.

In Wisconsin, such products are “generally allowed legally but unregulated,” Testin said.

“There is no state law that restricts sales to minors, regulates the potency or content of (hemp-derived cannabinoid products), or imposes labeling or packaging requirements.” Minnesota, Kentucky, Tennessee and other states have enacted their own regulations, Testin said. “Regulations are needed (to remove the current uncertainty about the cannabinoid status of hemp-derived products), to provide stability and certainty to companies looking to enter this segment of the economy, and to enforce public safety regulations.”

Testin and Republican Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) have worked on hemp laws for Wisconsin since the federal Farm Bill passed in 2018.

“I actually grew hemp,” Kurtz said, recalling that in 2019 “it was kind of an open market.”

Kurtz and others who called him “bad actors” also rode the hemp wave throughout the hearing, seeing it as a “get-rich-quick scheme.” Kurtz said the hemp industry today is full of people who want to do the right thing, but the “bad actors” have persisted.

said Kurtz SB 682 It’s designed so Wisconsinites “know they’re getting the best product and what they’re getting.”

“If we do nothing, hemp will be illegal at the federal level … but it’s still going to be legal here in the state of Wisconsin. So it’s in our best interest to work together, to get a good compromise, to get some common sense legislation to make sure that — in my humble opinion — we protect our constituents, but also I think it’s necessary to protect an industry.”

While hemp would be illegal at the federal level, a state-level industry could operate similarly to the way some states have recreational or legalized cannabis programs, largely because the federal government has not cracked down on these industries.

Testin added, “Regardless of anyone’s thoughts on cannabis and cannabinoids, it’s here. And obviously, we have a lot of different perspectives on how we should move forward.”

He repeatedly blasted the “stupidity” of what he described as “our gentlemen” in Washington DC, but also criticized other hemp-related bills in Wisconsin. While some Republicans want to ban hemp products outright, others have different ideas about how a legal industry should be regulated.

Bill introduced by Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Oconto). SB 681It would require licenses for manufacturers and distributors of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The products would be sold under a three-tier system and would be regulated like alcohol under the Division of Alcoholic Beverages, a component of the Department of Revenue, which would be renamed the Division of Intoxicating Products.

Although Testin and Wimberger’s bill have garnered bipartisan support, Testin described Wimberger’s bill as a “dead bill” and “more dead than dead.”

Testin argued that SB 681 would over-regulate the hemp industry and lead to a monopolization effect where a small number of entities control who gets hemp permits, creating a competitive market and acting as a “good boys’ club.”

Sen. Sarah Keyeski (D-Lodi) highlighted the division among state Republicans over hemp and cannabis products, noting that Democrats are not the ones who support legalization and regulation.

The committee room was filled with people from across the hemp industry who listened to the conversation. When lawmakers asked how to ensure children don’t get intoxicating cannabis products, distributors and manufacturers pointed to age-verification software even for online sales, which require a photo and image of a driver’s license to accept an order.

Marketing of children’s products using cartoon-like advertising and attractive candy wrappers was discussed.

Some veterans have testified how hemp has helped them relieve pain, kick addictive pain killers, soothe PTSD symptoms, and help them relax their bodies to sleep.

Other testimony focused on the risk of crossing state lines into Michigan or Illinois to obtain cannabis to treat various medical conditions.

Hemp farmers insist they now need to know how a federal ban will affect them as they decide when or if to plant this spring.

Much of the public testimony was in favor of Testin’s bill, although some speakers said it should protect farmers and growers and expand the types of products to include beverages and gummies.

“Yes, we are now in a scenario where there are intoxicating hemp products,” Testin said. “But not just anything like beer, wine or alcohol, we need to put some sensible regulations in place, which is what this bill aims to do.”

“In terms of concerns about smoking or getting fat from these products,” Testin added, “it’s no different than people consuming too much stale fish fry or drinking too much beer on a Friday night. It’s one’s choice and responsibility, but at the same time, making sure we have some regulations in place.”

The hemp industry deserves to “grow and grow,” Testin said, adding that the public deserves protection and knowing that “this stuff isn’t falling into the hands of people it shouldn’t be, like children.”

This story was first published by the Wisconsin Examiner.

Brendan Cleak’s photo.

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Oklahoma Governor wants to shut down medical cannabis program

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2 hours ago

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February 4, 2026

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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt he said He wants to return the state’s medical marijuana program to voters. In his State of the State address, Stitt called for a state question in 2026 for citizens to decide whether to end the program, citing concerns about “bad actors” and criminal influence.

Dispensary owner Dana Herrick he reacted to the adHe noted that in 2018 medical cannabis was approved by voters. Herrick said the program gave patients access to drugs and raised questions about what returning the issue to a public vote would mean for existing companies.

The state’s medical cannabis system has grown since 2018. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority oversees growers, processors and dispensaries with more than 1,500 active licenses. Regulators have implemented measures such as credential checks and a temporary moratorium on new licenses to manage the industry’s growth.










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Virginia Senators Approve Bills To Legalize Marijuana Sales And Provide Resentencing Relief To People With Prior Convictions

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3 hours ago

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February 4, 2026

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Virginia senators have passed a pair of bills to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana and reduce penalties for people with prior cannabis convictions.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 9-6 on Wednesday to advance legislation for Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D) to sell marijuana. Members also voted 12-TK3 to approve Senate President Louise Lucas’ (D) anti-cannabis measure.

Both measures then go to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, potentially before reaching a date.

Aird told colleagues in Wednesday’s speech that his bill “establishes a marketplace that protects consumers and puts health and safety first, ensures a balance in our regulatory framework that ensures legalization is consistent with public health and safety goals, and avoids past mistakes built into alcohol laws that allow the legal substance to continue to be criminalized.”

“I know there’s interest in aligning the approach we take in this legislation with (the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority’s) enforcement structure, but if we do that too narrowly, we risk building a legal system that relies on arrests, mandatory fines, mandatory minimums, prison sentences and low-level offenses,” he said. “And that approach has failed with alcohol and will fail again for cannabis.”

The panel accepted several amendments from Sen. Scott Surovell (D), the panel’s chairman, over Aird’s objection.

Among the changes are amendments to “essentially align the penalties for the illegal sale of alcohol with the illegal sale of marijuana,” Surovell said, bringing the penalties for minors in possession of cannabis on par with those for alcohol.

Another bench-approved amendment adds criminal penalties for buying marijuana from an unlicensed dealer.




Marijuana Justice’s Chelsea Higgs Wise supported the overall bill, but expressed concern about the recently passed criminal amendments, calling it “a step backwards.”

A representative of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP also said, “If we really want to prepare our children for success, we’re not going to criminalize them, but we’re going to figure out how to support them so they can make better choices.”

JM Pedini, director of development for advocacy group NORML and executive director of Virginia NORML, told Marijuana Moment that the organization is “deeply concerned about committee members’ re-criminalization of cannabis users and mandatory minimum approvals for marijuana.”

“It is particularly troubling that as this body moves to address resentment of marijuana-related penalties, it is simultaneously entertaining new ways to further criminalize consumers,” Pedini said.

Approval of the amended sales invoice comes in about a week The House General Laws Committee approved a supplemental version of the legislationDel. Paul Krizek (D).

As passed in committee, the legislation is largely in line with recommendations released by the legislature in December. Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition to the Commonwealth Retail Cannabis Market.

Since legalizing cannabis ownership and home cultivation in 2021, Virginia lawmakers have been working to establish a commercial marijuana market– Only for those efforts to stall under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures sent to his desk by the Legislature.

the senate the version calls for sales to begin on January 1, 2027, while the House bill stipulates that the sale of cannabis for adult consumption can begin on November 1 of this year.

Here are the main details of Virginia’s legal marijuana sales legislation:

  • Adults would be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction, or up to an equivalent amount of other cannabis products, as determined by regulators.
  • The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry. Its board of directors would have the authority to control the possession, sale, transportation, distribution, delivery and testing of marijuana.
  • A tax of up to 12.625 percent would apply to the retail sale of any cannabis product. That would include a 1.125 percent state retail and use tax on top of a new 8 percent marijuana-specific tax. Local governments can charge an additional 3.5 percent.
  • The tax revenue would be divided between the costs of administering and enforcing the state’s marijuana system, a new Cannabis Equity Investment Fund, pre-kindergarten programs, substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs, and public health programs such as awareness campaigns designed to prevent drug-impaired driving and discourage underage use.
  • Local governments could not allow marijuana companies to operate in their area.
  • Delivery services would be allowed.
  • Serving sizes would be limited to 10 milligrams of THC, with no more than 100 mg of THC per package.
  • Existing medical cannabis operators could enter the adult-use market if they pay a $10 million license conversion fee.
  • Cannabis businesses should implement peaceful labor agreements with their employees.
  • A legislative committee would direct the addition of local consumer licenses and micro-enterprise cannabis event permits that would allow licensees to hold sales at farmers markets or pop-up locations. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority would also investigate the possibility of involvement in marijuana regulation and enforcement.

Just sworn Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) supports legalizing the sale of marijuana to adults.

Another cannabis law passed by a Senate committee Wednesday would require people with certain felonies to automatically receive resentencing hearings and adjust their sentences. A Del. Rozia Henson, Jr. Also advanced House Companion version of (D). recently

The legislation would create a process for people who are incarcerated or under community supervision for certain crimes involving the possession, manufacture, sale or distribution of marijuana to receive an automatic sentencing hearing.

The invoice It applies to people with convictions or convictions for conduct that occurred before July 1, 2021, when a state law that legalized personal possession and home cultivation of marijuana went into effect.

The panel approved some technical changes before passing the legislation.

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It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

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Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers have introduced other marijuana-related legislation for the 2026 session, among other things. allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals.

Separately, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has published a new defining workplace protections for cannabis users.

Mike Latimer’s photo.

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Gavita International launches Agrolux Operating System

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1 day ago

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February 3, 2026

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During Fruit Logistica, Gavita International launches the future Agrolux Operating System and the LYRA modular product platform. “The latest developments highlight Gavita International’s evolution into a fully integrated solution that supports growers throughout the crop cycle,” says CEO Marc Salvany.

After the management buyout on October 1, 2025, Gavita International is led by Marc Salvany (CEO) and Ad van der Vorst (CFO). With the launch of the Agrolux Actuator System, Gavita International is presenting not only a future-ready platform, but also its new strategic location: this presentation is the basis for the future developments of the globally operating lighting systems supplier.

The launch of the Agrolux brand underlines the company’s strategic move towards a fully integrated solution for professional growers.

© Agrolux

Agrolux Operating System
“The Agrolux Operating System is a future-proof and user-friendly platform that enables professional farmers to improve performance, efficiency and return on investment, while actively contributing to a more sustainable, circular and resilient horticultural ecosystem,” explained Marc. “It supports electrical power and wireless communication, the Horticultural Lighting Protocol (HLP), and can work seamlessly with a climate computer or standalone. The system is also fully compatible with all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires as well as third-party brands.”

The Agrolux Operating System has capabilities on its development page, such as AI-based lighting strategies and integration with sensors, providing advanced automation, monitoring and control for modern greenhouse operations. The Agrolux Operating System protects existing investments while enabling smarter and more sustainable farming.

LYRA: the modular product platform of the future, fully complementary to the Agrolux portfolio
Together with the Agrolux Operating System, Gavita International is proudly developing LYRA; A new modular and future product platform to support current and next generation greenhouses. “At the heart of the LYRA platform is a modular design that supports multiple applications, including multi-channel configurations to enable lighting strategies, combined with a flexible power range from 340W to 1200W, depending on the producer’s requirements.”

The LYRA is designed around a single driver housing concept that allows LED modules to be added, upgraded and adjusted, ensuring the luminaire adapts to evolving technology, regulations and grower needs. Together with LYRA, the Agrolux OS system will continue to offer renewed features and innovations to the product platform.

LYRA complements the entire Agrolux (LED) luminaire portfolio, and the Agrolux Operating System supports all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires. “Together, they are designed to offer the professional greenhouse grower as much as possible
flexibility and long-term certainty in a rapidly evolving technology innovation landscape.”

LYRA will initially be available in a 4-channel version.

The defining moment
“Unveiling the Agrolux Operating System and previewing LYRA at Fruit Logistic is a defining moment for our company. This presentation marks a significant and exciting chapter for Gavita International, thanks to our dedicated team and the continued support of our trusted partners and respected growers. We look forward to meeting visitors in Berlin and showcasing our new developments,” said Marc.

Live demonstration at Fruit Logistica
At Fruit Logistica 2026, Gavita International will demonstrate the Agrolux operation
System live at stand A-46 in the Dutch Pavilion (Hall 3.2), seen first hand.
LIRA

Appointments for a demonstration can be booked online.

For more information:
Gavita International
(email protected)
www.agrolux.com

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