Testin talks hemp with Mid-West Farm Report
Not as much ice fishing (and remember Free Ice Fishing Weekend is upcoming on Jan 17th and 18th, 2026 – I saw it on The Stoner’s Travel Guide to Wisconsin) talk on this recent main stream media cannabis conversation with Senator Testin about his hemp cannabis bill, but it is still worth the listen. In his previous radio address, Senator Testin announced he would not be advancing Senate Bill 682/Assembly Bill 606 – The three Tier Bill. A public Hearing on Testin’s bill in the commitee chaired by Testin Senate Bill 682 will be January 8th, 2026. If you cannot attend the public hearing, please let you legislators know it is important to support this Senate Bill 682 / Assembly Bill 747.
Wisconsin was one of the nation’s leading hemp producers in the first half of the 20th century. It looked poised to become a leader again in 2026. Then came the “Big, Beautiful Bill” that contains language that could completely dismantle the industry nationwide.
For context, the 2018 Farm Bill played a key role in reinvigorating hemp . At that time, hemp was also removed from the Federal Substances Act. That also helped jump start Wisconsin’s hemp industry again. According to the Wisconsin Hemp Alliance, in 2018 the then Wisconsin Hemp Research Pilot Program issued 245 grower licenses and 97 processor licenses in that first year. After that, interest and licensing of hemp-related activities increased about five-fold.
🥊 The Battle for Wisconsin’s $ Multi-Billion Hemp Industry
Wisconsin’s hemp industry—which produces everything from clothing to popular food/beverage items—is facing an existential threat from a new federal law. The “Big, Beautiful Bill,” included a measure that could completely wipe out the nationwide hemp market.
Now, state lawmakers are scrambling to protect local businesses from this federal hammer.
🛡️ A Local Lifeline: Senate Bill 682
State Senator Pat Testin is leading the charge with Senate Bill 682 (SB 682). This bill is designed to create a “safe haven” in Wisconsin by establishing clear, protective state-level regulations.
It’s a “just right” balance, according to Testin, aiming to keep the industry thriving while prioritizing public safety. The legislation is receiving bipartisan support. Currently 5 Republicans and 4 Democrats. A rare feat in today’s political climate.
Key safety measures in the bill for the general public include:
- A “21 and over” rule for purchasing any hemp products containing intoxicating THC variants.
- Mandatory independent lab testing for every single batch to ensure product safety and accurate labeling.
- Strict safety packaging and labeling requirements, including scannable QR codes for detailed product analysis.
- Specific THC limits, like capping single-serving beverages at just 10 milligrams of total THC.
🗓️ What’s Next?
The fate of this vital local industry and the businesses it supports hangs in the balance. A public hearing is scheduled for this Thursday, January 8, 2026, where lawmakers will discuss the proposed bill.
This isn’t just about farmers; it’s about a $28.4 billion national industry that thousands of Wisconsin residents rely on for jobs and products they use every day. The outcome of this debate could determine if Wisconsin keeps its hemp businesses afloat, or if they will be dismantled by federal regulation. source
