News Summary
Wisconsin entrepreneurs and lawmakers are pushing for regulatory frameworks for cannabis as a bar and café culture emerges in the state. With increased concerns over untested cannabis products, businesses like Canna Bloom Farmacy and Kelly’s Greens are creating inviting environments focused on community and education. As lawmakers face pressure to regulate hemp-derived products, public support for legalizing medical marijuana is growing, with advocates calling for strict quality controls to enhance consumer safety and access.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Entrepreneurs and lawmakers in Wisconsin are escalating their efforts to establish regulatory frameworks for cannabis amid a rising bar and cafe culture intertwined with the industry. This momentum is driven, in part, by an increase in low-quality and untested cannabis products flooding the state since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the sale of cannabis and hemp products without robust state oversight.
Canna Bloom Farmacy, founded in 2019 by Justin Letizia and Stephanie Lembke, operates a 20,000 square-foot facility in Hartford. The establishment cultivates its own cannabis, develops edibles, and brews hemp-infused seltzers, which are now available in over 500 retail locations. Recently, Canna Bloom opened its first Milwaukee location, aiming to create a hybrid environment that combines bar and retail space with social interaction, all under a judge-free atmosphere. The new venue serves as an alcohol-free alternative featuring hemp-infused beverages, fostering a sense of community and encouraging social engagement without the stigma often associated with alcohol.
Other cannabis businesses in the area, such as Kelly’s Greens in Wauwatosa, are also implementing welcoming environments. This establishment emphasizes education and offers personalized product guidance amidst bright interiors and unique product offerings. They have collaborated with Vennture Brew Co. to craft THC seltzers, further diversifying their product line.
Another notable venue is Canni, a cannabis bar located in Milwaukee that combines various beverages with cannabis-infused options, and has introduced a social garden for community events. Owners of these cannabis lounges prioritize personalized customer experiences, ensuring trained staff are available to provide insights on product effects and consumption methods.
Despite this innovative push, safety and quality control remain prime concerns as the state grapples with the increase in unregulated products. Canna Bloom voluntarily tests its products, performing drug tests on each batch of soda, despite lacking legal requirements to do so. While this commitment to safety enhances product quality, it also imposes additional costs on the company.
Wisconsin lawmakers are now under pressure to address regulatory gaps concerning hemp-derived products, such as delta-8 THC, amid public concern. A recent public hearing at the state Capitol highlighted support for a proposed bill aimed at legalizing medical marijuana, which would institute strict regulations on the cultivation and distribution of cannabis. If passed, the bill would permit patients to access cannabis in non-smokable forms and require pharmacist oversight at dispensaries.
The increasing advocacy for legal medical cannabis signals a shift in public sentiment, as many citizens argue for a legal framework that would enhance access to cannabis for individuals suffering from serious medical conditions like cancer. Past legislative efforts in this arena have been met with skepticism, yet certain Republican lawmakers exhibit a newfound willingness to consider the implications of medical cannabis more thoughtfully.
Many entrepreneurs involved in the cannabis sector are calling for safety and health regulations to be implemented, seeking to guarantee product quality and protect consumers. Advocates of medical cannabis legalization view it as a crucial next step for Wisconsin, which has yet to align with the majority of states that have embraced similar measures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Medical Marijuana Bill Support
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- Wisconsin Examiner: Republicans Push Medical Cannabis Bill
- Google Search: Medical Cannabis Wisconsin
- MJBizDaily: Hemp THC Cafes Thrive in Wisconsin
- Google Scholar: Medical Marijuana Wisconsin
- Cannabis Business Times: Wisconsin Lawmakers Rally for Medical Cannabis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cannabis Legalization
- WISN: Wisconsin GOP Introduces Medical Marijuana Bill
- Google News: Wisconsin Medical Marijuana 2025
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
