Wisconsin is one of the few states where cannabis remains illegal at every level. Being caught with small amounts may land someone in prison with up to $10,000 in fines. The state may be competing with Idaho for the most anti-cannabis laws on the books. And, like many places with stringent cannabis policies, the intoxicating hemp market is thriving. This space is so in demand that there is a self-service station in the mall selling everything from cannabis to hallucinogens.
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The Ethereal Gold Dispensary kiosk has been in the Brookfield Square shopping mall for a year selling hemp-derived products that are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Still, a recent citizen complaint to police is drawing renewed attention.
THC, hallucinogens available via mall kiosks?
Ethereal Gold, a Wisconsin-based hemp dispensary, has three kiosks in the state. One is located at the Waukesha dispensary for easy pick-up. There is another set up at Fusion Liquor in Wales, and then, of course, there is the station in question at the mall in Brookfield. The sales point at Fusion Liquor is open 24 hours, and the one at Brookfield Square can be accessed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Children can see the machines, and taller ones may be able to access their screens, which prompted concern from the complainant. The machines verify age through a website. Once users activate the kiosk, they must go to the site and upload their 21+ ID before the screen allows the order to continue. Each of the kiosks has different products based on the clientele. Menus and stock change as consumers in each area show their preferences.
Wisconsin THC kiosk calls safety into question
Product quality is another valid concern with hemp-derived THC and hallucinogenic mushroom products. The menu at the kiosks varies based on location, but the main dispensary menu shows the complete lineup. Shoppers choose between hemp THC, amanita muscaria, and sundries that combine the two. Dispensary owner Bill Fuchs doesn’t mind the extra press, but acknowledges the safety hazards that come into question with these products. The FDA was forced to issue a critical warning on Diamond Shruumz amanita muscaria products last year after multiple “adverse events” among consumers.
He doubled down on product safety to local newspaper The Freeman.
Fuchs claims that Ethereal Gold has the highest testing standard in the nation, going beyond state-set limits to cover heavy metals, mycotoxins, microbial, and other contaminants. Perhaps it is the high product standards or the fact that cannabis has never been welcomed into a shopping mall like this before, but the primary worry among those against the kiosks is proximity to the kids.
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Brookfield Alderman Mike Hallquist understands that the hemp satellite store is legal but questioned this point to The Freeman.
“While I understand the product has legitimate uses, I worry about kids getting access to something they don’t understand and might misuse. I certainly plan to take a closer look,” Hallquist stated.
The Alderman plans to meaningfully engage with Ethereal Gold and the kiosk while politicians at higher levels contemplate regulation. Many states, like California are opting to ban hemp THC sales, but places where regulated cannabis has yet to materialize are leaning more into regulation.
Though movement has yet to come this legislative cycle, lawmakers have expressed interest. Until these legislative bodies figure that out, Wisconsinites can enjoy a legal high from the mall.
