A bill aimed at regulating the hemp industry in Illinois, specifically targeting delta-8 THC products, failed to pass in the state legislature. House Bill 4293, rejected this week, sought to prohibit packaging that mimics marijuana and restrict marketing strategies appealing to minors.
The measure is among many legislative and regulatory initiatives in several states, with recent actions also coming in Missouri, Hawaii and Ohio.
Gov. JB Pritzker supported the Illinois bill, hoping for its passage during the recent lame-duck session. However, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson opposed the measure, expressing concerns about its impact on the city’s ability to address related issues. Pritzker noted that the mayor did not reach out to discuss potential compromises.
Pritzker has been vocal about the need for stricter regulations on hemp-derived intoxicants, citing their accessibility to minors and lack of oversight. He emphasized that the products often have potent effects, are untested, and are readily available to young people.
“We support the hemp industry. This is not an effort to bash the hemp industry. We want it to thrive and continue evolving,” the governor had said in the runup to the legislative vote.
Read more at Hemp Today