Democrats hemp regulation bill faces certain death in Committee chaired by Senator Kapenga
Earlier this year came the most unexpected development: Kapenga was removed from Senate leadership, voted out, replaced by Senator Mary Felzkowski—someone widely known and respected for supporting cannabis reform.
For years, Senator Chris Kapenga has been one of the loudest and most persistent opponents of cannabis reform in Wisconsin. Every session, every news cycle, every chance he gets, Kapenga jumps onto his social media soapbox to declare that marijuana is dangerous, harmful, or morally wrong. But this legislative session brought a twist: not only did Kapenga continue his crusade, he actually sponsored a bill (SB 499) to ban hemp products—a move that mirrors federal prohibition language and directly threatens Wisconsin’s thriving hemp economy.
What’s even more striking is that while Kapenga doubled down on prohibition, his own party began moving in the opposite direction. Two separate Republican-backed bills were introduced this session (SB 681/AB 606 BAD & SB 682/AB747 GOOD) to regulate hemp-derived cannabis products responsibly—acknowledging the industry’s economic value and the need for consumer safety. Democrats also introduced their own comprehensive hemp regulation bill, SB 644.
That shift says a lot. Even in the GOP, even in conservative districts, even among lawmakers who might not personally consume or support cannabis—everyone can see where the issue is heading. Except Kapenga.
where did the Democratic bill end up in the Senate?
Right in Kapenga’s Senate committee, chaired by someone who has historically opposed every form of cannabis reform imaginable. It’s almost poetic: he’s spent years trying to shut this conversation down, yet now the reform legislation lands squarely on his desk.
The fact the the Republican Senate sent the Democrats bill to die by the hands of Kapenga maybe a sign, but when you add that the Republican Senate sent the rest of the hemp bills to a friendly committee, the sign might be more of a FU to Kapenga vs and FU to Democrats. Oh yeah, Senate Republicans sent Kapenga’s bill to ban the hemp to committee Testin is chair, the final finger in the chapter.
Where Activists Come In
Kapenga is up for re-election in 2026, and while he represents a solidly Republican district, that doesn’t mean voters should accept stale leadership or outdated thinking. If he continues pushing prohibition while blocking reasonable regulation supported by both parties, he deserves a primary challenge. A competitive primary is often the only thing that forces entrenched politicians to actually listen to their constituents.
And constituents should be heard.
Legislators work for the public. Contacting them—respectfully but persistently—is a fundamental part of democracy. If Sen. Kapenga is going to position himself as the chief obstacle to hemp and cannabis regulation, then constituents have every right to call his office, ask hard questions, and demand accountability for the economic harm his policies threaten. We all should call him and ask him to hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 644, that I know for sure.
His public posts make his views crystal clear. Your calls and emails can make your views just as clear.
Sen. Kapenga’s official page:facebook.com/SenatorKapenga
Telephone: (608) 266-9174 Email: Sen.Kapenga@legis.wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin deserves forward-thinking leadership, not outdated prohibitionism. If the bipartisan momentum toward sensible hemp regulation continues—and the public keeps speaking up—Kapenga may find that he’s no longer the immovable object he thinks he is.
Vote him out?
Often a comment from many on social media, but not as easy as it sounds. This Senate District is up for election in 2026, the first time to be tested under the new maps, but still is predicted to be a 67.5% GOP stronghold. In 2022 Kapenga did not even face a Democrat challenger in the general election, nor in the 2018 general election, so that leaves the door wide open as far as predicted Democrat candidates. But it looks like Democrat Mike Van Someren from Pewaukee is going to run. https://www.facebook.com/MVSforWI/ We first learned about Mike Van Someran in the 2022 Election Coverage when he ran against Congressman Fitzgerald and told us this:
Van Someren: We need to reduce sentencing guidelines for non-violent crime, especially for marijuana-related crimes. In fact, legalization of marijuana would free up significant police resources while also adding tax revenues to the state and allowing for the regulation of the production and sale of marijuana. A regulated marijuana industry not only provides tax revenue but also increases safety to consumers utilizing marijuana and removes a lucrative funding source from criminal organizations.
Kapenga came to be a Senator in 2015 during a special election after Paul Farrow resigned. That is the last time this guy faced a political challenger, 2015.
When we look back to 2010 when Kapenga was elected to the State Assembly, he was unopposed in a general election. Back then he did face a four way primary which he won by 712 votes.
Where is activism needed?
Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Senate District 33 is comprised of most of western Waukesha County along with parts of eastern Jefferson County, southwest Washington County, and southeast Dodge County. It includes the cities of Delafield, Hartford, and Oconomowoc, and the villages of Chenequa, Dousman, Eagle, Hartland, Lac La Belle, Merton, Neosho, North Prairie, Palmyra, Sussex, and Wales.
Stay tuned and get active!
Throughout the campaign season I will provide you additional 2026 Wisconsin State Election coverage, which also includes the 99 State Assembly Races. This next election is extremely important for marijuana reform and I will continue to bring you information as more candidates make their political moves.
We ended up with a divided government in the 2025-26 legislation session, but the official formation of The Wisconsin Cannabis Caucus remains missing and would be a must-do first step towards reform. The official establishment of this Caucus will represent the growing bipartisan support in Wisconsin and help move our state FORWARD on the issue.
We urge you to contact your elected officials. The top four action alerts are still actionable on The Wisconsin Cannabis Activist Action Network for you immediate use.
Sources: CNanalysis, WisPolitics/redistricting /2024 Senate Races, Davesredistricting, PeoplesMaps, Ballotpedia
