Proposed Wisconsin hemp regulation bill creates uncertainty

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Lawmakers in Wisconsin have proposed a new hemp-derived cannabinoid regulation bill, putting farmers and business owners in a difficult position.

The bill proposes a three-tier licensing system requiring separate manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

According to Craig Sutherland, owner of Sutherland CBD in Superior says the new regulations would mean expensive permits and new taxes on farmers, processors, and retailers, which could result in a price increase for everyone, including consumers.

“I’m speaking probably for 1000s of other businesses that are in the same pickle we are going to be in,” said Sutherland. “We manufacture our own products, we wholesale our own products, and we retail our own products.”

Sutherland says that the impact goes well beyond just his family’s business.

“It’s emotional,” said Sutherland. “It sucks because we’ve, over the last seven years, we’ve had 10s of 1000s of customers generated hundreds of 1000s in tax dollars for not only the state, but our county, the payroll we’ve given, just but that’s just us compared to we’re just a drop in the bucket compared to everyone else.”

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the proposed federal bill to ban hemp products with intoxicating effects, and now the proposed Wisconsin bill, Sutherland says he is trying to be proactive in shifting his business and adapting as he moves forward.

We’ve reached out to the tavern league of Wisconsin for comment. We’re waiting to hear back.