Wisconsin’s first hemp store is open for business, but just two weeks in, the owner is fighting to keep his doors open.

Joel Peterson has been told what he’s selling is illegal despite a new state law that allows farmers to grow and sell hemp.

Hemp is grown for two main reasons. First, its fibers are used to make anything from bracelets to clothing. Second, and far more profitable for those like Peterson, its oil is used for medicine. Confusion over a new state law could put Peterson and some farmers out of business.

In the sleepy downtown of Black River Falls, one store on Main Street is getting a lot of attention.

“It’s my first time coming in here,” said customer Tyler Ward.

Ward of Tennessee is eager to find out if hemp oil can heal.

“I’ve got high blood pressure on a side of my family,” he said. “Hopefully it helps calm me down.”

Owner Joel Peterson is a pioneer in the hemp industry. Well, in Wisconsin anyway. Opening day two weeks ago at Priceland Hemp brought huge crowds.

“We had probably 900 people that came through here between Friday and Saturday,” he said. [Read more at TMJ4]