Federal Hemp Definition Change Threatens Mount Pleasant Store and Its Customers
What the new definition means
Starting Dec. 11 2026, a new federal rule will reshape the legal definition of hemp. While the 2018 Farm Bill allowed hemp to contain no more than 0.3 % delta‑9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry‑weight basis, the 2025 spending law expands the calculation to include all tetrahydrocannabinol variants and adds restrictions on finished hemp‑derived cannabinoid products.
Why the change matters for local businesses
Javier Camacho, owner of WellProEdge in Mount Pleasant, reached out to TMJ4 with concerns that the rule could force many of the store’s items off the shelves. “I’m not against regulation, but also they need to listen,” he said, emphasizing that the business has years of experience consulting on hemp compliance and wants to protect both its family livelihood and its clientele.
Customer experiences and concerns
Matt Otzelberger, a construction worker, uses THC and CBD products to ease muscle soreness after long shifts. “I work construction, and it’s pretty hard on my body, and I use these products to help my muscles relax,” he told TMJ4. He added that losing access would be “a real setback” for his daily routine.
Candace Buggs, another WellProEdge shopper, relies on CBD for pain management after a knee replacement and expects to need the same relief for her other knee. “My husband, who is on disability, also uses CBD,” she said, noting that many of the store’s patrons are seniors or people with disabilities.
Regulatory and public health perspective
Supporters of tighter restrictions point to safety worries, especially regarding intoxicating products sold in gummies, vapes, and beverages that may be accessible to children. Wisconsin Republican state Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk highlighted this concern in a November 2025 interview, stating, “My number one priority is the protection of our children.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also raised alarms about the wide availability of hemp‑derived CBD products. While only one CBD medication, Epidiolex, has received FDA approval for specific seizure disorders, the agency’s recent study of 250‑to‑550 mg daily doses in healthy adults found elevated liver enzymes and called for more safety data on typical consumer use.
Looking ahead and possible solutions
For customers like Otzelberger, the approaching deadline raises a practical question: which products purchased today will still qualify as legal hemp under the new definition? “I certainly would miss them if they were gone,” he repeated, underscoring the urgency.
Industry leaders, including certified hemp consultant Javi Camacho, argue that regulators should incorporate feedback from businesses and consumers to craft sensible policies. “A lot of our customers here are a lot older, so this is kind of more of Racine County’s most vulnerable,” he said, advocating for a balanced approach that protects public health while preserving legitimate access.
As the Dec. 11 2026 effective date nears, the outcome will depend on how the federal definition is interpreted and enforced, and whether state and local authorities provide guidance for retailers and users.
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