Wisconsin Medical CBD Law

(Updated 2025)

1. 1. Introduction

Wisconsin has a limited CBD law that permits the possession of cannabidiol (CBD) products for medical use when recommended by a physician. While initially restricted to a narrow set of conditions, the program was expanded in 2016 to allow CBD use for any medical condition a physician deems appropriate.

This program does not allow THC-rich cannabis, home cultivation, or retail dispensaries. CBD products must have no psychoactive effect, meaning THC content is extremely limited.

1. 2. Quick Facts – Wisconsin CBD Program

1. 3. Qualifying Conditions

Originally limited to intractable epilepsy, Wisconsin’s CBD law now covers any medical condition if a physician provides a written recommendation for CBD use.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• • Chronic pain
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Neurological conditions
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Cancer-related symptoms

1. 4. Patient Possession Rules

• • CBD must be in a non-psychoactive form (minimal THC, generally ≤0.3%).
  • No specific weight limit is stated, but possession must align with a physician’s recommendation.
  • THC-containing cannabis remains illegal for all non-federal research purposes.

1. 5. Legal Protections & Limitations

• • Patients with a valid physician recommendation have legal protection for possessing CBD products.
  • Wisconsin provides no legal in-state production or retail outlets, so patients often obtain CBD from out-of-state or online vendors.
  • All THC-rich cannabis remains illegal and subject to criminal penalties.

1. 6. Home Cultivation

• • Prohibited — patients may not grow cannabis plants in Wisconsin.

1. 7. Licensed Dispensaries

• • None — the state does not regulate or license dispensaries for CBD or marijuana products.

1. 8. Caregivers

• • No caregiver program is in place under Wisconsin’s CBD law.

1. 9. Reciprocity

• • Wisconsin does not recognize medical cannabis or CBD authorizations from other states.

1. 10. Program Overview

• • Law Signed: 2014 (Expanded in 2016)
  • Regulatory Authority: None designated for distribution or sales
  • Estimated Registered Patients: No registry maintained

1. 11. Key Considerations for Patients

• • While CBD is legal for medical purposes, there is no state-run program for product testing, quality control, or distribution.
  • Patients must rely on third-party vendors and should verify product lab reports to ensure THC content meets state requirements.
  • THC-rich cannabis possession remains criminal, regardless of medical need.

1. 12. Resources & References

• • NORML – Wisconsin: norml.org/laws/wisconsin
  • Wisconsin CBD Law (2014, expanded 2016) – Senate Bill 10