Wisconsin’s New 21+ Mandate: Understanding SB 644 and AB 680

As we move through February 2026, the legislative landscape in Wisconsin is shifting rapidly. For years, hemp-derived cannabinoids have existed in a regulatory grey area, often leading to concerns about minor access and product safety. To address these issues, two companion bills — Senate Bill 644 (SB 644) and Assembly Bill 680 (AB 680) — are currently moving through the state legislature with the goal of bringing much-needed structure to the industry.

At Ethereal Gold Dispensary, we have long advocated for common-sense regulations that protect consumers while maintaining access to high-quality products. While these bills introduce several new requirements for many Wisconsin retailers, they largely mirror the safety protocols we have voluntarily followed under the Ethereal Gold Standard since our inception.

What Do SB 644 and AB 680 Actually Change?

These bills are focused on intoxicating hemp products, a category that includes popular compounds like Delta-8, Delta-9, HHC, THCP, and THCA. Here are the core pillars of the proposed legislation:

1. The 21+ Age Mandate: Perhaps the most significant change is the formalization of an age requirement. SB 644 and AB 680 prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing or possessing intoxicating hemp products. It also establishes significant penalties for retailers who sell to minors — ranging from civil forfeitures to fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders.

2. A Clearer Definition of Intoxicating: The bills clarify exactly what constitutes an intoxicating cannabinoid. This definition is broad, covering virtually any hemp-derived compound that produces a psychoactive effect when consumed. This prevents manufacturers from simply switching to a new unregulated cannabinoid to bypass state law.

3. Mandatory Safety and Testing: Under these bills, products must be tested by independent, accredited laboratories. Every batch must be accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that details the contents and confirms the product's potency. Furthermore, the legislation mandates specific packaging and labeling standards:

• Child-Resistant Packaging: Products must use secure, tamper-evident containers.
• No "Kid-Friendly" Marketing: Packaging cannot use designs, cartoons, or names that are appealing to children.
• Detailed Labeling: Containers must clearly list the product name, weight, serving size, and full ingredient list.

The Ethereal Gold Standard: Always One Step Ahead

While SB 644 and AB 680 represent a massive leap forward for Wisconsin, they are effectively setting minimum requirements that reputable businesses should have met years ago. At Ethereal Gold Dispensary, we don't just wait for the law to tell us what is safe — we lead the way.

For us, the Ethereal Gold Standard means:

• Voluntary 21+ Compliance: We have always required age verification for all psychoactive products, regardless of whether a state law was in place.
• Beyond Potency Testing: While the new bills require basic COAs, we continue to require "full-panel" testing. This means we verify not just the THC levels, but the absence of heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents that basic tests might miss.
• Responsible Education: We believe that transparency is the best protection. We provide our customers with the information they need to dose safely and responsibly, ensuring a positive experience every time.

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