MADISON, Wis. — Governor Tony Evers is urging Congress to modify new federal regulations on hemp because it could negatively impact the state’s economy and eliminate jobs across Wisconsin.
“Without legislative modification, this change will have significant implications for Wisconsin hemp farmers, processors, retailers, and our broader economy,” said Evers in a letter to Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation.
The federal law would ban the sale of most hemp products and limit the amount of THC in those products to trace amounts. It was approved by Congress last year and is set to take effect this November.
The governor says the new federal hemp law could cost the state $700 million in economic impact and nearly 3,500 jobs.
“While consumer demand for hemp-derived products remains strong, the absence of a legalized marijuana market in Wisconsin means that many of these products serve as lawful alternatives for Wisconsinites and an important source of revenue for instate businesses,” said Evers. “Restrictive changes to the hemp definition will only drive commerce for hemp-derived products across state lines, shifting jobs and tax revenue away from Wisconsin.”
There are 470 licensed hemp producers in Wisconsin. Evers says many of those producers could be forced to close, impacting many rural communities.
