The bill calls for comprehensive changes to the hemp marketplace and long-await improvements to the state's cannabis laws.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could create new regulations for cannabis and hemp. The bill calls for comprehensive changes to the hemp marketplace and long-awaited improvements to the state's cannabis laws.

Sponsors said Illinois' historic 2019 cannabis law created regulations that were necessary at the time but have become overly burdensome for many small and social equity cannabis shops. This plan could reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens to help those businesses thrive.

The legislation also increases possession limits for consumers.

"We were the first state to pass cannabis legislation by statute and our possession limits are lower than the states that have moved since," said Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago). "Now, we've moved those up from 30 grams to 60 grams of flower and corresponding for infused products and cannabis concentrate."

Another provision could allow people to buy medical marijuana at any dispensary in Illinois rather than solely at medical dispensaries. It also addresses major changes in federal policy surrounding THC.

"Senate Bill 3222 would establish mandatory license and uniform standards for CBD manufacturers while creating a responsible transition path for hemp businesses entering the licensed cannabis market," said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood).

Illinois would ban the sale of intoxicating hemp to anyone under 21 and prohibit marketing of these products to kids. The bill bans gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops from selling intoxicating hemp products, as those items could only be sold in licensed cannabis dispensaries.

"For those of us that have worked for years to try to get the garbage off the shelves from our retailers that are in the hands of kids that never should be, it looks like we're finally going to get it done," said Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb). 

The proposal passed out of the House on a 77-31 vote and received a 47-10 vote in the Senate. State senators and representatives voted on the measure in the final hours of session. 

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