Wisconsin is joining states including Texas and Florida in an attempt to ban hemp-derived THC products.
Representative Lindee Brill (R-Sheboygan Falls), Representative Jim Piwowarczyk (R-Hubertus), Representative Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego), Representative Bob Donovan (RGreenfield), and Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) have begun circulating a bill they said would "close the existing loophole in our state’s definition of hemp which allows dangerous, psychoactive THC-laced products to proliferate in Wisconsin."
The lawmakers pointed toward current federal definitions of hemp, as outlined in the Farm Bill, that effectively legalize many intoxicating forms of THC like HHC, delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and others. These cannabinoids are used in beverages, vapes, oils, gummies and other products.
“This proliferation is an active threat to public health. There has been a sharp rise in delta-8 THC poisonings in young children, many of which have led to hospitalization. Emergency room visits and poison control calls linked to delta-8 THC and other similar substances have increased significantly. Both the CDC and FDA have issued warnings about the dangers of these products, which remain legal and dangerously unregulated," they wrote.
States like Texas have repeatedly tried to ban hemp-derived THC products but have been unsuccessful. But Texas Governor Greg Abbott did issue an executive order that raised the legal purchasing age to 21.
