MADISON — Yesterday, state officials updated their stance on CBD oil, now deeming it okay for hemp farmers to produce.

This announcement comes in stark contrast to the stance taken earlier this week by officials that CBD oil production was still banned by the state. With hundreds of farmers applying for licenses that would allow them to grow hemp, the state position on CBD oil was quickly clarified.

“We all have always had full confidence in the successful implementation of the industrial hemp program in Wisconsin,” said Attorney General Schimel. “Industrial hemp has the promise of being an important part of our critical agricultural economy, and Wisconsin farmers who choose to participate in this pilot program deserve and need legislative and regulatory certainty from all parts of government.”

Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) has released a statement regarding the sudden change of heart by Department of Justice officials:

Sen. Patrick Testin. (Contributed)

“Yesterday, I met with Attorney General Brad Schimel, his team at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Representative Jesse Kremer, representatives from theWisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. We had a productive discussion in which I reiterated my position that Act 100 enables participants in the hemp pilot program the ability to process CBD oil from industrial hemp and to market it for research purposes.

Today, the Department of Justice released a statement agreeing with our position. I would like to thank Attorney General Schimel and his team for their willingness to discuss this issue and come to a resolution that honors legislative intent. I commend the Attorney General’s commitment to public safety, as well as his decision to ensure participants in the hemp pilot program the greatest level of freedom and opportunity.”

The Wisconsin Farm Buraeu also released a statement regarding the DOJ action:

“Wisconsin Farm Bureau is pleased by the action by Wisconsin’s Department of Justice to uphold the 2014 Farm Bill provision that allows states to create an industrial hemp pilot program which involves farmers growing hemp to research growing, processing and marketing of hemp.”