Lawmakers introduce Illinois bill regulating hemp products

SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) - Illinois state lawmakers joined advocates Tuesday in Springfield to unveil new legislation regulating hemp products.

The plan would create a regulatory, licensing and taxation framework for products like delta-8 and CBD. It would also ban look-alike items that resemble popular candies and snacks and require people be at least 21 years old to purchase hemp products. It would also limit the amount of THC allowed in a hemp product.

“We must do something about delta-8 and other unregulated delta hemp products now. Personally, I’ve been working with the industry calling for regulations for the better part of three years, and it’s time to act now,” said state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, the bill’s sponsor.

The bill comes after fellow lawmakers introduced another bill banning delta-8 and other currently unregulated hemp products. They cited the lack of regulation, which has allowed for many gas stations and convenience stores to sell potent look-alike products to anyone, including kids.

Ford said while he wants look-alike products off the market, and kids to be prevented from buying delta-8 and similar products, he does not want the market to be shut down in Illinois. He also estimates a regulated hemp market could bring in around $1.5 billion in revenues to the state over four years.

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