Appleton, Wisconsin Hemp Business Calls for Clearer Regulations as Federal Changes Loom
At 3 Tall Pines Cannabis Company in Plymouth, owner Craig Thrawn has been urging state lawmakers to adopt consistent regulations that protect consumers while allowing responsible operation.
“We’re asking for clearer rules — tell us what you want and what you don’t, so we can continue to grow in this industry,” Thrawn said, emphasizing that self‑regulation has already helped the business maintain strong safety practices.
Why hemp regulations matter
Wisconsin defines hemp in part by its delta‑9 THC concentration, which currently permits certain intoxicating products such as delta‑8 THC to be sold legally. Both delta‑8 and delta‑9 can produce a high, whereas CBD is generally non‑intoxicating.
An upcoming change to the federal hemp definition — shifting from a delta‑9 THC limit to a total THC cap — could affect which products remain on the market, creating uncertainty for businesses that rely on the current state framework.
Lawmakers consider additional safeguards
Consumer safety has become a focal point at the state Capitol. Senate Bill 681, introduced by Sen. Eric Wimberger, proposed a minimum purchasing age of 21, independent product testing, child‑resistant packaging, licensing requirements and a distribution system modeled after Wisconsin’s alcohol industry.
The bill aimed to curb children’s exposure to cannabis products, a concern highlighted by the Wisconsin Poison Center, which reported a rise in calls involving cannabis exposures among minors. While those exposures are not limited to hemp‑derived items, the trend underscores the need for clear standards.
Despite these proposals, Senate Bill 681 did not pass during the legislative session that ended in March 2026, leaving the future of statewide regulation unresolved.
Push for consistent rules
Thrawn notes that 3 Tall Pines already follows many of the safety measures discussed, including ID checks and third‑party testing, but he argues that such practices should be codified statewide rather than left to individual businesses.
“Self‑regulation has worked well in Wisconsin. We just need those standards written down so everyone knows what to expect,” he said.
The federal government is moving toward a stricter hemp definition that considers total THC, not just delta‑9. Because Wisconsin’s definition will not automatically align with the federal change, products that are legal under state law could become restricted federally, adding another layer of uncertainty for operators.
Ryan Van Hammond, manager of Pinebox Dispensary’s Appleton storefront, warns that without regulated access, consumers may turn to the black market for untested, unsafe products. “You’re going to force a lot of people back to the black market looking for products that aren’t safe, aren’t tested, aren’t regulated,” he said.
The industry’s call for clear, consistent regulations aims to ensure that businesses like 3 Tall Pines and Pinebox Dispensary can continue providing tested, compliant products while protecting public health.
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Wisconsin hemp business calls for clearer regulations as federal changes loom
