Illinois
In positive news, the war on hemp suffered a major defeat. We were preparing for a bill to be introduced in the closing days of the session in Illinois (and passed quickly) that would have completely banned intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8. The bill would have also limited consumable hemp products to 0.5mg of THC per serving and 2.5mg per package, created licensing and testing requirements for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, and significantly broadened the state Department of Agriculture’s authority to impose labeling and packaging requirements.
Thankfully, the Senate adjourned last night without passing the bill and without including restrictive legislative language into a must-pass omnibus bill. Although it is an important victory, the effort is certain to be taken up again next year. In fact, we’re hearing that marijuana industry groups are encouraging law enforcement to ramp up enforcement activities this summer and pressuring lawmakers to pass the bill next session. We’ll be working with Hemp Supporters on the ground to encourage the adoption of the regulatory framework that we’ve been advocating in Kentucky. |