Illinois Decides Against Banning Synthetic Weed

The Illinois General Assembly once again debated the potential ban on hemp-derived THC products and cafes, but in the end, they declined to act. The decision has significant implications for the state’s cannabis shops and the burgeoning THC seltzer business.

Why It Matters

The products in question are currently unregulated. A ban could have adversely affected cannabis shops and the fast-growing THC seltzer industry, which uses THC derived from hemp. Without regulation, these products continue to be available, posing potential risks and benefits to consumers and businesses alike.

Hemp vs. Cannabis

Hemp and marijuana are different types of cannabis. Both contain THC, the compound that induces a high, but hemp has much lower levels of THC compared to marijuana. Hemp-derived THC became legal due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing for its production and sale.

The Big Picture

The Illinois Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill that would have restricted hemp-derived THC products. However, despite support from some House lawmakers, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch did not call the bill for a vote in the spring session. This inaction has left the current regulatory landscape unchanged.

Concerns Over Unregulated THC Products

Lawmakers and cannabis industry representatives have long expressed concerns over unregulated THC products, including synthetic marijuana variants like Delta-8 and Delta-9. These products can sometimes be more potent than advertised, posing potential dangers to consumers.

Statements from Industry Stakeholders

Tiffany Chappell Ingram of the Cannabis Business Association voiced disappointment: “We are disappointed the House failed to pass needed reforms to our state’s cannabis laws and will continue to allow synthetic hemp products that are sickening children and adults to be sold with no oversight.”

Conversely, some in the industry are relieved. Eric Harper, co-owner of Blazed Bakery, said, “We are very pleased with the IL legislature on holding on voting to ban hemp-derived THC cafes.” Harper operates a hemp-derived THC bakery in Northbrook and is opening a new location in Logan Square. He added, “The current bill was based on flawed science, disregarded job opportunities and equity within the mature hemp industry in Illinois. We are hopeful that IL legislators will work with the hemp industry to make sure both hemp and cannabis industries can operate side by side.”

Impact on Craft Brewers and THC Drinks

The proposed bill wouldn’t have only affected synthetic weed producers but also craft brewers. Many Chicago companies have contributed to the nationwide growth of the THC drink industry, with products now available in select Chicago liquor stores. Ed Marszewski of Marz Community Brewing commented, “I am looking forward to working with the state legislature to formulate a more socially equitable and fair regulatory path as an alternative to the job-killing bills that were proposed.”

Federal Legislation

Attention now turns to Congress, where a new farm bill is in the works. This bill could include an amendment banning hemp-derived THC products, introduced by Illinois Rep. Mary Miller. The outcome of this federal legislation will significantly impact the future of hemp-derived THC products and their regulation.

As Illinois continues to navigate the complexities of hemp and cannabis regulation, the debate over synthetic weed and hemp-derived THC products remains a contentious and evolving issue.