Madison adopts age-21 sales and display rules for hemp-derived THC products
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Summary
The council approved a substitute ordinance setting age-21 for sales of hemp-derived THC products and imposing display and youth-protection buffer rules. The substitute passed 13–5 after debate and a failed alternate to remove display and quarter-mile buffer provisions.
The Madison Common Council on Nov. 25 adopted a substitute ordinance (Legistar 90,169) that restricts sales of hemp-derived THC products to buyers age 21 and places limits on product displays and retail placement intended to reduce youth access.
Ariel Smith, public-health staff, told the council the age-21 threshold aligns with local tobacco and alcohol practices and with a recently passed county ordinance. Staff described display requirements (no self-service for many products, restricted placement of edible and beverage products and stricter storage/ID-check practices for single-use beverages) and recommended a quarter-mile buffer from youth-serving sites as a youth-protection measure.
Mayor and other alders proposed an alternate that would have removed two elements — restrictions on floor displays and the quarter-mile buffer. Proponents of the alternate argued the rules could inadvertently block new retailers and unfairly restrict existing businesses; supporters of the original language cited public-health guidance from the CDC and surgeon general on youth-protection zoning and reports of accidental pediatric poisonings linked to candy-like product packaging.
The mayor’s alternate failed on a roll call (recorded in the transcript as 6 ayes, 12 noes). The substitute then passed on a roll call (transcript records 13 ayes and 5 noes). Council members said the ordinance is intended as an interim public-health measure and to align city rules with county action; more detailed licensing and regulatory work was discussed as a possible next step.
The adopted substitute sets the city-level age restriction at 21, requires strengthened age verification and places limits on how certain products are displayed and sold; it also directs staff to continue work on licensing and implementation.