Support the federal Hemp Planting Predictability Act
Two major developments are affecting the hemp industry: federal proposals and ongoing activity here in Wisconsin. This article focuses on the federal proposals; you can read the latest State Update at WiscoCan.org/news.
The US Senate and Congress are considering legislation which would delay implementation of hemp ban language added to recent federal spending bills. If adopted, the timeline would extend from one year to three years, moving potential implementation to November 2028. This extension is intended to give lawmakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders more time to develop responsible, science-based regulations for a complex, rapidly evolving hemp industry. The extension (HR 7010) has not yet been approved, so the language redefining “hemp” remains unchanged.
In the House, Rep. James Baird, R-Ind., introduced the Hemp Planting Predictability Act, HR 7024 on Jan. 12 alongside Reps. James Comer, R-Ky., Angie Craig, D-Minn., Gabe Evans, R-Colo., and Tim Moore, R-N.C. The legislation now has 17 co-sponsors in the lower chamber.
In the US Senate, S.3686 was introduced by U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.
The legislation would extend the current timeline, giving Congress and stakeholders additional time to address hemp regulation.
Without action, processors, manufacturers, retailers, and small businesses—including those in Wisconsin—could face disruption, and most hemp-derived consumer products could be removed from the market, putting an estimated 325,000 American jobs at risk. Consumers would also be affected.
Wisconsin residents rely on local businesses that prioritize quality and transparency. A ban could force them to travel long distances or turn to unregulated or less reliable sources, reducing convenience and safe access in their own communities. Even with a federal delay, Wisconsin still faces uncertainty. Local businesses could close, jobs could be lost, rural economic activity disrupted, and consumer access limited.
A temporary extension may provide more time to address these issues responsibly, but it does not guarantee certainty. Wisconsin must remain engaged at both the federal and state levels to protect farmers, manufacturers, retailers, consumers, jobs, and tax revenue.
You can take action by contacting your Congressional Representative and Senators today and asking them to co-sponsor and support the Hemp Planting Predictability Act.
This bipartisan effort protects consumers, farmers, and American hemp while giving lawmakers time to develop a durable regulatory framework.
