Federal regulations are set to crack down on the burgeoning Illinois hemp industry in just over a year's time, with lawmakers scrambling to figure out how to navigate the looming restrictions. As of Wednesday, Congress has included a provision in the federal spending plan that effectively bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products nationwide.
The move comes after a 2018 law inadvertently created a loophole allowing compounds extracted from hemp and concentrated in vapes, edibles, and oils to affect people similarly to cannabis. While some lawmakers welcome the restrictions as a necessary step to safeguard children, many in the industry are fighting back against what they see as an overreach by Washington.
Governor JB Pritzker has admitted that he is still trying to understand the specifics of the ban and its implications for the state's hemp products, but emphasizes the need to regulate intoxicating hemp to keep children safe. "It makes it harder for the worst parts of intoxicating hemp to be just sold to anybody," he said.
The state legislature is now racing against the clock to develop a regulatory framework that will govern the industry once the federal ban takes effect. A proposed bill introduced by Senate President Don Harmon was met with fierce opposition from the hemp industry and lawmakers, ultimately failing to pass in the House.
Industry leaders are holding out hope that the federal ban can be reversed or softened, and are urging lawmakers to adopt a more measured approach that prioritizes regulation over prohibition. "This is not one year to a ban," said Thomas Winstanley, executive vice president of Edibles.com, a hemp wellness marketplace. "This is one year to regulate."
With the clock ticking, Illinois lawmakers must now navigate a complex and rapidly evolving landscape in which the lines between regulation and prohibition are increasingly blurred.
The move comes after a 2018 law inadvertently created a loophole allowing compounds extracted from hemp and concentrated in vapes, edibles, and oils to affect people similarly to cannabis. While some lawmakers welcome the restrictions as a necessary step to safeguard children, many in the industry are fighting back against what they see as an overreach by Washington.
Governor JB Pritzker has admitted that he is still trying to understand the specifics of the ban and its implications for the state's hemp products, but emphasizes the need to regulate intoxicating hemp to keep children safe. "It makes it harder for the worst parts of intoxicating hemp to be just sold to anybody," he said.
The state legislature is now racing against the clock to develop a regulatory framework that will govern the industry once the federal ban takes effect. A proposed bill introduced by Senate President Don Harmon was met with fierce opposition from the hemp industry and lawmakers, ultimately failing to pass in the House.
Industry leaders are holding out hope that the federal ban can be reversed or softened, and are urging lawmakers to adopt a more measured approach that prioritizes regulation over prohibition. "This is not one year to a ban," said Thomas Winstanley, executive vice president of Edibles.com, a hemp wellness marketplace. "This is one year to regulate."
With the clock ticking, Illinois lawmakers must now navigate a complex and rapidly evolving landscape in which the lines between regulation and prohibition are increasingly blurred.
Can't believe we're going back on our 'hemp for medicinal purposes' vibe 
... like, what's next? Banning CBD toothpaste? 
I get that protecting kids is important, but regulating the industry feels like a better solution than straight-up prohibition. And good luck with that, IL lawmakers! 
You've got about 11 months to figure out how not to screw up the hemp game 
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i mean im all about keeping kids safe but dont we need to have a more nuanced approach here? 
the illinois hemp industry is already super regulated and its crazy to think they're not doing enough on their own... what's next gonna be banning CBD products or something? 
u think gov is just trying to regulate but at the same time they're like "oh no kids might get hurt" 
and honestly idk what's gonna happen now cuz the bill failed in the house 
this is so unfair! like, i get that kids need protection but come on, it's hemp not weed 
we need lawmakers to think critically about this and not just follow the crowd 
. I mean, one year's not a lot of time to figure out how to navigate all these regulations... it's like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded 
. But come on, can't they just find a more balanced approach? I feel for industry leaders who are already struggling to stay afloat; it's not easy being in the hemp business 
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it's not that hard to regulate intoxicating hemp without completely banning everything. what about all the jobs that are going to get lost? 
governor pritzker is right, we need to keep our kids safe but this isn't the way to do it. let's find a better solution that doesn't hurt so many people!