Governor Evers Urges Congress to Change Federal Law Regarding Hemp

Thursday, March 5th, 2026 -- 9:00 AM

(WBAY) Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is urging Congress to change a federal law that he says would jeopardize 3,500 jobs and $700 million for the state’s economy when it takes effect in November.

The governor sent a letter to Wisconsin’s senators and House representatives urging them to modify the federal hemp law that was inserted into the bill reopening the federal government after last year’s shutdown.

The bill set the legal limit of THC in hemp-derived products to 0.4 milligrams per container. Evers said that would reclassify many currently lawful products. Recreational and medical marijuana is illegal in Wisconsin, but the governor says the state has 470 federally licensed hemp producers. “Hemp-derived products currently support a growing sector of legitimate businesses across Wisconsin,” the governor wrote in his letter.

“Farmers, who have been the backbone of Wisconsin’s culture and economy for generations, must make planting decisions well in advance of each growing season, often committing seed, land, equipment, labor, and financing months before harvest. The growing of hemp has become a strong diversification option for Wisconsin farmers.”

The letter goes on to read, “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."

"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.”

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