Lawmakers Propose THC Restrictions
Published on October 24, 2025
A Bipartisan Push for Balanced Cannabis Regulation
MADISON, Wis. — In a move reflecting growing Republican interest in cannabis policy reform, two bills introduced by GOP lawmakers in Wisconsin aim to close regulatory loopholes on unregulated THC products while establishing a framework for medical marijuana access. The proposals, introduced in September and October 2025, come amid rising concerns over accidental THC exposures—particularly among children—and a push to provide legal relief for patients with chronic conditions. These measures highlight a cautious approach: tightening controls on recreational-like THC while cautiously opening doors to medical use under strict oversight.
Closing the Hemp THC Loophole: Assembly Bill 503
Assembly Bill 503, introduced on September 19, 2025, by Rep. Lindee Brill (R-Sheboygan Falls), seeks to amend Wisconsin's definition of "hemp" under the 2018 Farm Bill. Currently, products like delta-8 and delta-9 THC gummies qualify as hemp if they contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, allowing their sale despite THC's status as a controlled substance. The bill would exclude FDA-approved prescription drug products from this exemption, effectively subjecting unregulated THC items to state prohibitions on possession, manufacture, and distribution.
The legislation responds to a surge in public health incidents, including a 2025 Milwaukee convenience store selling THC-infused gummies to children and a 2024 Stoughton pizza shop accidentally serving THC-laced slices, resulting in hospitalizations. A study in The Journal of Pediatrics reported 3,054 child THC exposures in 2023—up from 200 in 2017—across 21 states and Washington, D.C. Rep. Brill emphasized the dangers, stating, “There has been a sharp rise in delta-8 THC poisonings in young children, many of which have led to hospitalization. Emergency room visits and poison control calls linked to delta-8 THC and other similar substances have increased significantly. Both the CDC and FDA have issued warnings about the dangers of these products, which remain legal and dangerously unregulated.”
Establishing a Medical Cannabis Program: Senate Bill 534
Senate Bill 534, reintroduced on October 15, 2025, by Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk), would create a regulated medical marijuana program under the Department of Health Services. The bill authorizes non-smokable forms such as concentrates, oils, tinctures, edibles, pills, topicals, vapors, patches, and nebulizer-administered liquids, but excludes combustible cannabis. It establishes an Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation for patient and caregiver registries, with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) overseeing "seed-to-sale" tracking for quality control.
Aimed at patients with serious health conditions, the bill allows doctor-guided access to alternatives without requiring out-of-state travel or illegal activity. Sen. Felzkowski noted, “Someone who suffers from a serious health condition should not have to make the choice to travel to another state or break the law so they can try an alternative medicine for relief. This is also a chance for small businesses in our state to take part in this market with reasonable regulations on making and selling these products, all while still protecting public safety.” This marks the bill's second attempt after stalling in the prior session.
Implications for Wisconsin's Cannabis Landscape
If enacted, these bills could reshape Wisconsin's cannabis market, where THC remains fully illegal outside hemp exceptions. Assembly Bill 503 would curb the sale of unregulated THC products in convenience stores and small vendors, potentially disrupting a gray market but reducing risks of accidental ingestion and long-term health effects like brain damage. For consumers, it might limit low-cost options, steering them toward fully illicit sources or, ideally, regulated medical alternatives.
Senate Bill 534 could foster economic growth by inviting small businesses into a licensed medical sector, generating revenue while prioritizing patient safety through tracking and non-smokable restrictions. However, ambiguities around THC and cannabinoids in the bill could complicate implementation, and opposition from anti-cannabis groups may arise over any expansion. Nationally, these proposals align with Republican-led efforts to address hemp-derived THC amid FDA warnings, while advancing medical access without full recreational legalization.
Broader Context and Next Steps
Wisconsin's moves occur against a backdrop of evolving federal and state policies, including ongoing DEA rescheduling debates and incidents underscoring enforcement gaps. Lawmakers frame the bills as a dual strategy: protecting vulnerable populations from unregulated products while empowering patients and businesses. Hearings and votes are pending, with advocates urging swift action to prevent further poisonings and support medical innovation.
Conclusion
These Republican-backed bills signal a pragmatic shift in cannabis regulation, prioritizing public health safeguards alongside targeted medical relief. As Wisconsin navigates these reforms, they could set a model for other states balancing innovation with safety. Stay tuned for legislative updates, and share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more on Wisconsin cannabis policy, follow developments from the state legislature and health departments.
References
- The Daily Cardinal, “New bills chart Republican vision for cannabis regulation,” October 24, 2025. Link
- The Journal of Pediatrics, “Pediatric Exposures to Cannabis Products,” 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Warnings on Delta-8 THC, 2025.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Consumer Update on Hemp-Derived Products, 2025.
