WAUWATOSA, Wis. — After President Donald Trump signed off on the short-term funding deal Wednesday night to reopen the government for at least the next three months, one industry was suddenly left scrambling.
The funding package passed had a provision in it that directly impacts Wisconsin farmers and business owners.
That provision outlaws hemp-based THC drinks and gummies that were legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill. The ban on those hemp-based products would go into effect in one year.
Erin Kelly, the owner of Kelly’s Greens Cannabis Boutique and Cafe in Wauwatosa, said she is already working to stop the ban from happening.
“I will not stop without fighting,” said Kelly. “I want to see legal, safe cannabis options be accessible right here in Wisconsin and across this country.”
Kelly said the ban would force her, and many others, to shut down their thriving businesses.
“This ban would not allow us to sell CBD that’s non-euphoric,” said Kelly. “It would not allow us to sell our sleep gummies that are our number one seller here. This ban will have a massive economic impact to this country. It will shut our small businesses. Our seven employees who work here won’t have jobs. I won’t have a job. People won’t have access to these products. This ban will be devastating.”
While the ban does not go into effect until Dec. 13, 2026, Kelly said she’s encouraging people who use and sell these products to start contacting their state lawmakers and U.S. representatives.
According to the USDA, there are more than 400 approved, active licenses to legally grow hemp in the state.
“Call your representatives,” said Kelly. “Make sure you let people know that these products are important to you, to the economy of Wisconsin, and the health of our community.”
Spectrum News 1 reached out to lawmakers across the state. While most Democrats said they are against this ban, many Republicans said they support it.
In a social media post, State Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk, R-Hubertus, shared his support for stopping the production and sale of THC products in Wisconsin.
His post read, in-part, “Simply put, legalizing THC is bad public policy. And no, I’m not influenced by the tavern league; I’m guided solely by my convictions.”
State Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, sent Spectrum News 1 a statement that read, in-part: “We are still looking into how we, as a state legislature, can address the impact to Wisconsin’s hemp industry.”
