SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker joined state lawmakers and advocates to celebrate the state's new regulations for cannabis and hemp Thursday. The law is intended to make the intoxicating hemp industry safer while the cannabis industry becomes more equitable.

Illinois banned the sale of intoxicating hemp products to people under 21 on June 12. This was a top priority for the governor and many lawmakers after multiple reports of minors sent to hospitals after consuming the products.

It's easy to understand why kids and some adults may be confused by what they're picking up. A new set of hemp regulations will kick in this November, including childproof packaging and a ban on marketing and packaging catered to children.

"Parents shouldn't have to worry that a product containing intoxicating levels of THC is deceptively packaged as a bag of candy in a convenience store," Pritzker said. "Consumers shouldn't have to guess whether a product has been tested or accurately labeled."

This law reduces unnecessary burdens for many small and social equity cannabis shops, while increasing possession limits for consumers.

"It gives craft growers a clear path to utilize the full 14,000 square feet of canopy from the outset and provides meaningful fee relief that can make a real difference for smaller operators still fighting to get established," said HT23 Growers CEO Reese Xavier.

People will soon be able to buy medical marijuana at any dispensary in Illinois rather than solely at medical dispensaries. The Medical Cannabis Advisory Board said this is a major step forward, but there is still more work ahead.

"We would like to create a delivery service, especially for patients who cannot travel to dispensaries," said Medical Cannabis Advisory Board Vice Chair Jim Champion. "We'd like to increase the amounts of cannabis patients can purchase without requiring a doctor's approval and without forcing them to pay adult use prices, and many more."

Senate Bill 3222 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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