Tell Pfaff to pass on SB 681 and help pass SB 682 instead

Wisconsin’s hemp industry is under threat like never before — and our lawmakers must choose whether they want regulation that protects farmers, small businesses, and consumers, or a regulatory framework that imposes unnecessary burdens and jeopardizes livelihoods.

Right now, Senate Bill 681 — a bill that is primarily Republican written/supported with sponsorship from one Democratic Senator Senator Brad Pfaff — would reshape the regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoid products in ways that many in the industry find problematic. SB 681 redefines hemp and brings products under a heavy-handed structure that pushes oversight toward prohibition-style controls and potentially disadvantages existing operators.

At the same time, Senate Bill 682, authored by Republicans Senator Patrick Testin and Representative Tony Kurtz and backed by a broad bipartisan coalition in the Assembly, offers a sensible, regulated marketplace for hemp products that balances safety concerns with economic viability. This bill would create age restrictions, testing standards, packaging guidelines, enforcement against bad actors, and responsible regulation without imposing crippling distribution mandates.

Here’s the bottom line:
SB 682 represents the best chance this session to protect Wisconsin’s hemp industry from a looming federal ban and to preserve the livelihoods of farmers, producers, retailers, and consumers across our state.

Why Senator Pfaff’s Support Matters

Sen. Pfaff has a history of engaging in agricultural issues and has previously taken interest in cannabis reform. However, his co-sponsorship of SB 681 — a bill that many in the hemp community view as overly punitive and restrictive — without also cosponsoring SB 682 signals a missed opportunity for leadership at a critical moment for Wisconsin’s industry.

This situation presents a clear choice:

👉 Support a bill that could dismantle a booming industry?
OR
👉 Shift support to a balanced regulatory framework that preserves jobs, protects consumers, and keeps Wisconsin competitive?

We’re Calling On You — Senator Pfaff

Senator Pfaff, the hemp community is asking you to withdraw your co-sponsorship of SB 681 and instead add your name to SB 682 — the Testin/Kurtz bipartisan hemp regulation bill moving through the legislature. Your leadership could make all the difference and signal to farmers, brands, and families that Wisconsin lawmakers truly understand the stakes.

What Hemp Stakeholders Should Do

If you are a farmer, retailer, processor, advocate, or citizen who cares about the future of this industry:

📞 Call Senator Pfaff’s office — at 608-266-5490 respectfully urge him to reconsider his position and endorse SB 682.
📨 Email his legislative staff — at Sen.Pfaff@legis.wisconsin.gov and outline why a shift in support is necessary for a sustainable hemp marketplace.
📢 Spread the word — share this call to action with your networks so we can amplify it.

Time is short. With the federal hemp ban looming and regulatory uncertainty threatening thousands of jobs, lawmakers need to hear from you.

Stand up. Speak out. Protect Wisconsin hemp. ✊🌿