At the center of Wisconsin’s hemp debate is a simple but critical issue: on key legislation, the Tavern League and alcohol-aligned interests are taking positions that directly conflict with Wisconsin farmers and agricultural organizations.

That conflict has real consequences for hemp farmers, small manufacturers, rural communities, and the future of agriculture in this state.

Hemp businesses are often told privately that alcohol interests are not pushing harmful regulation. But public lobbying records and legislative actions tell a different story.

On Assembly Bill 606 (AB 606), farmer and hemp trade groups raised concerns or opposed the bill because it would regulate hemp-derived products like alcohol and push them into an alcohol-style three-tier system.

At the same time, alcohol-aligned organizations — including the Tavern League of Wisconsin — formally supported AB 606.

That split matters. When alcohol trade groups lobby for policies that farmer organizations oppose, it signals a broader issue: the Tavern League is not standing with Wisconsin agriculture on hemp.

“There is a place where both of these industries can coexist without one taking over the other. We helped start Wisconsin’s hemp industry in 2018. Since then, we have manufactured products, wholesaled them, and retailed them.

Under a three-tier system, two-thirds of my company would disappear overnight. And I’m only speaking for myself — there are hundreds of businesses like mine across Wisconsin.

The reality is that bars are seeing fewer people on bar stools. Instead of adapting, some want to make it harder for consumers to access hemp products and take that opportunity away from agriculture.

Hemp and alcohol can coexist — but only if one industry isn’t allowed to regulate the other out of existence.”

— Craig Sutherland

 

It is also worth noting the origin of AB 606. The bill was introduced by Rep. Rob Swearingen, who previously served as President of the Tavern League of Wisconsin from approximately 2007 to 2012, prior to his election to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

That background does not automatically determine motive, but it provides important, verifiable context when evaluating why hemp-derived products are being steered toward an alcohol-style regulatory framework.

When legislation affecting hemp closely mirrors alcohol regulation — and is supported by alcohol trade groups — the overlap between leadership history, policy design, and industry benefit deserves public scrutiny.

 

Alcohol’s three-tier system was designed for beer and liquor — not for agriculture-based products like hemp.

Forcing hemp into that system would:

• Eliminate or restrict direct sales between farmers, businesses, and consumers

• Create distributor gatekeepers that determine who can access the market

• Favor large, established alcohol interests over local agricultural operators

• Increase costs through new taxes, licensing requirements, and compliance burdens

These impacts are not theoretical. Industries regulated under three-tier systems consistently see consolidation, reduced competition, and fewer opportunities for small producers.

 

Hemp farmers and businesses are not asking for a free pass. We support:

• Reasonable age limits

• Clear labeling and testing standards

• Enforcement against bad actors

Specifically, we are asking lawmakers to advance Senate Bill 682 (SB 682) — legislation supported by the Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association and other farmer-aligned organizations.

SB 682 focuses on responsible regulation without forcing hemp into an alcohol-style, three-tier system.

🔗 SB 682 lobbying disclosures:
https://lobbying.wi.gov/What/BillInformation/2025REG/Information/26133

It is notable that while farmer organizations support SB 682, the Tavern League does not.

At the same time, the Tavern League does support Assembly Bill 606 (AB 606), which applies alcohol-style regulation to hemp-derived products.

🔗 AB 606 lobbying disclosures:
https://lobbying.wi.gov/What/BillInformation/2025REG/Information/25931

 

This debate is not about personalities or private conversations. It’s about policy outcomes.

If Wisconsin is serious about supporting local agriculture, family farms, and rural economic growth, hemp policy must be shaped with farmers at the table — not forced into a regulatory system designed for alcohol.

Hemp and alcohol can coexist in Wisconsin. But coexistence requires honesty, transparency, and a willingness to let agriculture thrive — not regulate it out of existence.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Senator Patrick Testin, author of Senate Bill 682, and Senator Romaine Quinn, a co-sponsor of the bill, for their leadership and willingness to work with Wisconsin farmers and hemp businesses. Their efforts represent a constructive path forward that supports agriculture, consumer safety, and small business without forcing hemp into an alcohol-style regulatory system.