Illinois could prohibit synthetic THC intoxicants, regulate hemp consumer products

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bipartisan group of Illinois lawmakers, scientists and advocates want the state to crack down on unregulated THC products putting consumers at risk.

Many of the products currently sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and stores disguised as dispensaries look like candy, chips and cookies.

A new plan in Springfield could create a regulatory framework for hemp consumer products and establish standards for licensing, testing and labeling similar to cannabis products.

The legislation would also prohibit synthetic intoxicants like Delta-8 and Delta-10 until a state committee could study and review product safety.

"They look like Fritos, right? These are the corn chips and the other contains 600 milligrams of Delta-8," said Tiffany Chappell Ingram, Executive Director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois. "I beg to differ that my daughter wouldn't be able to tell the difference, which is extremely intoxicating."

The Illinois Department of Agriculture would be responsible for enforcing the regulations. Lawmakers and advocates told reporters Thursday that hemp retailers could keep their stores open if they sell non-intoxicating, consumer-friendly hemp products.

Hemp consumer products contain no greater than 0.3 percent of total THC, such as CBD. Although, synthetic intoxicants like Delta-8 are chemically modified to concentrate THC and make products extremely potent.

"Without establishing guidelines and regulations on hemp products, consumers are vulnerable and unable to make informed decisions," said Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "This legislation will ensure proper safeguards are in place to protect small businesses and consumers."

Lawmakers also brought data to back up their proposal, thanks to work conducted by Bob Miller from ACT Laboratories. The Chief Scientific Officer tested 21 Delta-8 products and found only four of the products were within 10% accuracy to the labeled potency. Nine of the products contained over the legal limit of THC and four products contained heavy metals. Miller also noted that one of the products contained lead and one product had no Delta-8 at all.

"It is important regulations exist so shoppers know what is in the products they consume," Miller said. "Right now, what's on the label is not always what's in the bottle."

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) filed Senate Bill 3926 Wednesday. However, the legislation could pass out of the House and Senate before session ends next month.

"It's time for us as policymakers to intervene and protect the consumer, but especially to protect Illinois children," said Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb).