UPDATED: 2017-04-14: 6:09:18 PM: On April 13, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was formally presented Senate Bill 10, legalizing possession of CBD oil in Wisconsin for medical use with a note from a physician. Once formally presented, the governor then has 6 business days to sign a bill into law. The Racine Journal Times and other media report Gov. Walker is scheduled to sign SB10 Monday in Burlington at 1:50 p.m. at Veterans Terrace, 589 Milwaukee Ave.
Previously, Gov. Walker had signed Wisconsin Act 267 in 2014, also known as Lydia's law. But the bill's requirement of FDA approval rendered it symbolic. Last session, the Assembly passed revised legislation requiring only a doctor's note, but a last minute senate procedural move killed the bill on the last day of the 2015-2016 session.
Lawmakers had worked quickly to send the legislation, SB10/AB49, to the governor for his signature. The legislation was introduced at the beginning of the new session. A public hearing was held in the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Jan. 31, and cleared committee Feb. 2 on a 4-0 vote, then passed the full senate on a 31-1 vote Feb. 8 after. In the Assembly, the bills were then unanimously voted out of the Committee on Children and Families on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 and then passed the Assembly March 7 on a unanimous 98-0 vote.
CBD or cannabidiol, is among 80 or some cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. CBD has been found to be useful in treating some medical conditions, most notably seizure disorders. British drugmaker GW Pharmaceuticals makes a CBD seizure drug called Epidiolex, which is currently in clinical trials. Greenwich Biosciences, Inc., the company's North American subsidiary registered as "Other" on AB49/SB10 with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission which regulates lobbying.