Wisconsin Hemp Cannabis Bill of Rights
A Framework to Protect, Regulate, and Grow Wisconsin’s Cannabis & Hemp Economy
Preamble
The people and businesses of Wisconsin have built a lawful cannabinoid marketplace under state and federal law. This Bill of Rights establishes the principles necessary to protect individual liberty, support small businesses and farmers, and ensure fair, consistent regulation of cannabis and hemp-derived products.
I. Right to Participate in the Industry
- Low barriers to entry for farmers, processors, and small businesses
- Affordable licensing and reasonable compliance requirements
- Explicit support for small, family-owned, and Wisconsin-based operators
Microbusiness Protection:
- Creation of a microbusiness / small operator license
- Allow vertical integration (grow, process, and sell) at a small scale
- Reduced fees and simplified regulatory structure
II. Right to Fair and Rational Regulation
- Regulation should occur after the farm gate, not before
- Clear legal definitions for cannabinoids (THCa, Delta-9, etc.)
- Science-based standards for testing, labeling, and safety
No Pre-Harvest Overregulation:
Farmers should not be penalized for naturally occurring cannabinoid variations within hemp crops.
III. Right to Market Access
- No municipal opt-outs that block legal businesses
- Equal access to operate across all communities in Wisconsin
- Protection against arbitrary local bans
IV. Right to Reasonable Taxation
Cannabis taxation must be fair, transparent, and reinvested into Wisconsin communities.
Point-of-Sale Tax Distribution Model:
Revenue should be shared across:
- State government
- Municipalities
- Counties
- School districts
- Veterans services (including VA hospitals)
- Industrial hemp program development
- Potential allocation for law enforcement training and oversight
Low-Dose Product Model:
- Lower-dose cannabinoid products may carry a targeted excise tax
- These funds help sustain regulatory oversight and program administration
V. Right to Agricultural Innovation
- Industrial hemp program funding should prioritize:
- Biodegradable hemp-based packaging
- Fiber and grain development
- Replacement of single-use plastics
- Support research, processing infrastructure, and farmer access
VI. Right to Medical Cannabis Access
- Self-certification model for medical cannabis eligibility
- Caregiver Model / Patient Home Cultivation
- Minimal or no fees for participation
- No taxation on medical cannabis
Patient Protections:
- DUI protections for lawful patients
- Legal use rights, including in public housing
- Protection in child custody and family court matters
- Confidentiality and privacy safeguards
VII. Right to Equal Protection Under the Law
- Cannabis use or participation in the industry cannot be used to:
- Deny firearm ownership rights
- Discriminate in housing or employment beyond impairment standards
Medical List Protections:
- Patient registries must remain protected and confidential
VIII. Right to Stable and Independent Governance
- Establish a Cannabis Regulatory Board at the state level
- Reduce political interference from the legislature in technical rulemaking
- Include representation from:
- Farmers
- Small businesses
- Medical patients
- Public health experts
Goal: Ensure long-term stability and consistency in policy
IX. Right to Sustainable Program Funding
- Licensing fees and targeted taxes should:
- Fully fund program administration
- Avoid overburdening small operators
- Scale based on business size
X. Commitment to Responsible Regulation Over Prohibition
- Wisconsin rejects prohibition-based policy approaches
- Embraces regulated, transparent, and accountable markets
- Prioritizes safety, education, and economic opportunity
Bottom Line
This Cannabis Bill of Rights ensures that Wisconsin’s cannabis and hemp industries are:
- Protected from overreach
- Accessible to small businesses and farmers
- Fairly regulated and taxed
- Built for long-term success