SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — A new plan backed by Governor JB Pritzker would put heavy regulations on hemp-derived THC products in the state. These products don’t fall under the umbrella of marijuana products.
"This regulatory gray area has created a loophole that put Illinois consumers of all ages, but particularly children, in danger while an underground market flourished—the exact opposite of what Illinois has done by regulating our cannabis industry,” Governor JB Pritzker said in a statement when announcing his support. “We’re closing that loophole and protecting Illinoisans of all ages by incorporating these products into the regulated and equitable system of dispensaries already in place in the state.”
The proposal backed by Pritzker would put a number of regulations in place, including requiring safe packaging on all products similar to marijuana and stopping the sale of packages that look like snack foods. It would also put the legal age to buy these products at 21, similar to marijuana, and require that they are only sold at dispensaries, and not at public places like gas stations.
The announcement was met with expected opposition from hemp growers, who called the proposal an "outright ban".
Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) also sees issues with the Governor’s plan. He sees the hemp-derived market as a place for those who were award dispensary licenses but couldn’t raise capital to still get in the business.
"They missed the opportunity because they needed cash money," Ford said. "They needed millions of dollars to get into the industry where if we do this right with Delta, you won’t need millions of dollars to get into the business and you can go to a bank to help you start up your business. You can take a mortgage out on your house to help you start a business."
Instead of heavily regulating these proposals, Ford says the state should heavily tax them. He sees it as a way to still level the playing field between the marijuana and hemp-derived markets, while also helping the state out by bringing in more revenue.
"What we need to do is impose taxes on Delta products," Ford said. "That way we could bring in net revenue and make the playing field level as it relates to these intoxicating drugs. So to tax Delta will relieve the burden of trying to overtax cannabis."
The proposal to regulate these products nearly made it to the Governor’s desk last Spring, but was not called for a vote in the House. Supporters hope to see it called for a vote when lawmakers return to Springfield this weekend.
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via WCIA.com https://www.wcia.com
January 2, 2025 at 06:31PM
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