Democratic lawmakers, business owners push for regulation, tax for hemp products

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A group of Illinois Democratic lawmakers want to establish strict licensing, taxing and testing regulations for hemp products such as Delta-8 and CBD.

The proposal would ensure hemp businesses can only sell products to customers 21 and older. It could also prohibit the sale of hemp products that look like candy, chips and other common snacks.

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Sponsors and advocates argue that hemp is a popular and diverse multi-billion dollar marketplace that Illinois should not ban.

"The dangerous war on drugs showed us that prohibition doesn't work," said Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago). "Illinois should reject going backwards by banning this product automatically."

Experts from the hemp industry estimate Illinois could bring in more than $1.5 billion annually if the state taxed hemp products.

This legislation has not been assigned to a House or Senate committee. However, sponsors hope they can move it in the final weeks of the spring session.

"What we can't afford is a regulatory capture that puts us, our livelihoods, our friends, our families and our responsible business practices in danger," said Todd Harris, co-founder and CEO of Plift.

The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois told WAND News Tuesday that they are glad the hemp industry agrees action is needed to reign in the proliferation of unregulated Delta-8 products, which are synthetic THC intoxicants that are chemically modified to increase potency.

Hemp product — Sponsors and advocates argue told reporters in Springfield Tuesday that hemp is a popular and diverse multi-billion dollar marketplace that Illinois should not ban.

"That's why we have partnered with researchers, health advocates and cannabis license holders to support a plan that would pause the sale of synthetic THC intoxicants pending further study and regulate hemp consumer products such as CBD," said CBAI Executive Director Tiffany Chappell Ingram. "Illinois' cannabis laws were thoughtfully crafted and debated for years. The same care must be applied to the burgeoning hemp market."

Chappell Ingram said she looks forward to working with lawmakers to find a path forward to empower consumers, protect minors and ensure the state's adult-use cannabis law lives up to its full promise. She stressed that lawmakers must ensure social equity license holders and communities disproportionately impacted by the way on drugs are uplifted.

Ford told WAND News that he wants to invite cannabis businesses to the negotiating table because they have a lot to offer. He noted that CBAI should join in the effort to lift up hemp businesses and become owners as well.

"We don't want to shut anyone out," Ford said. "And we don't want anyone shutting this industry out."