Illinois Set to Regulate Intoxicating Hemp Products and Loosen Cannabis Laws
A new bill is making its way to the governor’s desk in Illinois, aimed at regulating and restricting intoxicating hemp products and making changes to the state’s cannabis laws. The legislation, which has been stalled in the past, introduces a range of adjustments to current laws and imposes new regulations on hemp products before federal regulations take effect later this year.
One of the key changes is the creation of a pathway for licensing and restricting the sale of intoxicating hemp products, which contain the psychoactive ingredient THC. This move is aimed at bringing hemp-derived products under the same umbrella as cannabis, with the same regulations and age restrictions.
The bill also increases the age limit to purchase intoxicating hemp products to 21 years old, which supporters say is essential for protecting children from previously unregulated products that can often be found at gas stations and convenience stores.
In addition, the measure increases the allowed possession limit for cannabis from 30 grams to 60 grams, bringing Illinois in line with nearby states that have legalized the substance.
The bill passed both chambers with mostly bipartisan support, but some Republican members opposed the measure. One concern raised was the ability for localities to impose regulations on cannabis dispensaries, which the law will now allow to be open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The law will take effect in two parts, with portions related to hemp product sales and regulation taking effect when federal regulations do in November. Other parts, such as the age requirements to purchase hemp products, will take effect immediately upon the bill being signed into law.
