Illinois Legislation Targets Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products

LOS ANGELES- In a recent legislative move in Illinois, lawmakers have proposed a ban on intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 THC. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to implement tighter controls on the hemp industry following the legalization of hemp by the 2018 Farm Bill. The proposed legislation aims to eliminate products like delta-8 THC, which are synthetically produced and have proliferated across unregulated markets such as convenience stores and gas stations.

State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado highlighted concerns about the accessibility of these products to minors at a press conference, expressing fears over the health impacts of unregulated hemp products consumed by youth. The legislation, Senate Bill 3926, seeks to allow non-intoxicating hemp products like CBD to be produced and sold by licensed businesses that comply with strict testing and labeling regulations.

Tiffany Chappell Ingram, executive director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, underscored the bill’s goals at the press conference, noting it aims to protect public health and the integrity of the state’s legal cannabis industry. The bill also includes severe penalties for violations, with fines escalating up to $10,000 for repeated offenses.

However, the legislation faces opposition from within the hemp industry. Charles Wu, co-founder of Chi’Tiva, criticized the bill as detrimental to businesses like his that could be forced to shut down if the ban is implemented. In contrast, State Representative La Shawn Ford proposed alternative legislation that would allow the sale of intoxicating hemp products, provided they are tested, labeled, and taxed, arguing that a ban might simply push these products into an unregulated market.

Both bills are currently under review, with Senate Bill 3926 referred to the Senate Assignments Committee and Ford’s proposal in the House Rules Committee.