Illinois Lawmakers Pass Hemp and Cannabis Regulatory Changes

Illinois lawmakers last week passed a hemp and cannabis omnibus bill that doubles the possession limits for adult-use cannabis and creates a regulatory framework for hemp product sales, The Center Square reports.

The new hemp regime effectively pushes intoxicating hemp products into the adult-use cannabis market, while carving out a special market for companies that offer non-intoxicating hemp products, like CBD oils or topicals. The bill also includes provisions to help businesses currently selling hemp products to transition into the more tightly regulated adult-use cannabis industry.

“One of our top priorities was to protect our children. We know that the hemp industry was not regulated. There were intoxicated products on the streets and harming our young children.” — State Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D), in a statement

The law also introduces cannabis policy changes, such as increasing the possession limit to 60 grams of cannabis flower and expanding the state’s automatic expungement eligibility from possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis to up to 60 grams. Other changes include dispensary drive-throughs and curbside pickup rules, social equity provisions related to cannabis transportation services, and canopy expansions for craft cannabis cultivators.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) is expected to sign the proposals into law.