Illinois

Future of hemp in Illinois uncertain amid Delta-8 concerns

Published

7 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Future of hemp in Illinois uncertain amid Delta-8 concerns

Illinois hemp regulation bill fails but debate persists amid Delta-8 concerns

A controversial bill aimed at tightening restrictions on hemp products in Illinois failed to gain traction in the state legislature, leaving the future of the industry in limbo.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A controversial bill aimed at tightening restrictions on hemp products in Illinois failed to gain traction in the state legislature, leaving the future of the industry in limbo.

Illinois House Bill 4293 sought to impose strict licensing requirements on hemp businesses, similar to those for cannabis dispensaries.

What we know:

Governor JB Pritzker supported the bill, calling it a priority to address concerns about unregulated hemp products like Delta-8, which can produce a psychoactive effect.

Critics, however, argue that the proposed regulations would disproportionately impact small businesses. The Illinois Black Hemp Association raised concerns about high licensing costs and lengthy approval processes, warning that many entrepreneurs could be forced out of the market.

What they’re saying:

“I found that it helped me out in a wellness perspective but also saw it as an opportunity to create generational wealth in the Black community,” said Sam Wilson of the Illinois Black Hemp Association. “Unfortunately, now that dream is in jeopardy because the American dream is under attack and is under attack by our billionaire governor.”

For small business owners like Misty Nelson, who runs Sunkissed Greenz in Mokena, hemp is essential. She and her husband started their business in 2020 using their pandemic stimulus checks and now rely on hemp sales for 40% of their profits.

“If there’s a complete ban, our small business would go up in smoke,” said Nelson, who supports regulating Delta-8 rather than banning it outright. “We want to protect children, too. Instead of a ban, we’d like regulations that ensure safety while letting our clientele access natural remedies for sleeping, pain, and anxiety.”

Some lawmakers agree that regulation, not prohibition, is the way forward. State Representative La Shawn Ford supports age restrictions similar to those for tobacco and cannabis.

“We definitely need to regulate Delta products,” Ford said. “If we passed that today, I would be very happy.”

What’s next:

The Delta-8 issue of whether to regulate, ban, or not change anything is expected to return when the new General Assembly convenes.

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Illinois

Officials identify body found at Springfield’s Forest Park

Published

14 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Press Room

Officials identify body found at Springfield’s Forest Park

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Authorities have released the identity of the person whose body was found last week in Forest Park in Springfield.

Last Tuesday evening, Springfield Police responded to the area of Trafton Road for a reported body found. When they arrived, they found a woman dead in the area of Camp Star Angelina.

On Thursday, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office identified the body as 56-year-old Joann Garelli of West Springfield.

The case remains under investigation by the D.A.’s office, in conjunction with the Springfield Police homicide unit.

Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and will have more information as it becomes available.

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Illinois

Illinois lands a commitment from one of its top OL targets in Landen Von Seggurn

Published

23 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Press Room

Illinois lands a commitment from one of its top OL targets in Landen Von Seggurn

Omaha (Neb.) Millard South offensive lineman Landen Von Seggern has committed to Illinois.

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Von Seggern was in Champaign over the weekend. He chooses the Illini over the likes of Iowa, Kansas and Kansas State.

Von Seggern becomes commit No. 4 for head coach Bret Bielema and his staff. Offensive line coach Bart Miller was the lead recruiter and was on him hard since offering in September.

“The coaches, the feeling of having Coach Bielema as my head coach for my college career is a different feeling,” Von Seggern told On3. “Knowing that he has sent the most linemen to the NFL in college football, and that being my final goal gives me a huge push towards my decision.

“And I love the way Coach Miller coaches. The way that him and I were talking football, it felt like I was already on the team and we were getting ready for the next game.”

Von Seggern felt very comfortable with the culture at Illinois as well.

“From the religious aspect, I want to thank the Lord for helping me on making my decision,” he said. “I have known the team pastor since I was young.

“The best thing about Illini is how they represent family. Most schools have players just playing for themselves. But Illinois has players not declaring for the draft to come back and play with their team. And that has a big impact on me, having that feeling that I have the same chance to do that with my future teammates.

“I have found my family and I am here to stay!”

As a junior Seggern helped Millard South to a state championship. He’s tabbed by On3 as the No. 1 recruit in the state of Nebraska and the No. 46 interior offensive line in the country.

A look at what the Illini have in the fold already.

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Illinois

2026 Nebraska OL Landen Von Seggern excited to join Illinois family

Published

1 day ago

January 15, 2025

Press Room

2026 Nebraska OL Landen Von Seggern excited to join Illinois family

Illinois has added to its family with a 2026 commitment. Omaha (Neb.) Millard South offensive lineman Landen Von Seggern announced his commitment to the Illini on Wednesday.

The Nebraska native visited Illinois on Jan. 11 and couldn’t have been more impressed with the visit.

“It was great, the thing that stood out the most to me was the hospitality,” Von Seggern said.

“The coaches were talking to me and treating me as if I was already a part of the team and the atmosphere was crazy at the basketball game. They have a very nice fan base and that is what made me want to be a part of the famILLy!”

Von Seggern selected Illinois over the seven scholarship offers that he holds. He took visits to Iowa, Iowa State and Kansas. But being in Champaign gave him the feeling that its where he needs to play college football.

Another thing Illinois had going for it was his relationship with coach Bret Bielema and offensive line coach Bart Miller. Bielema’s history with offensive linemen speaks for itself but Von Seggern has built a quick rapport with the pair.

“The relationship has grown very well,” Von Seggern said. “Especially for me only being up there three times. It felt like they had been my coaches already. I’m just super excited to get to work with them.”

Now the lineman’s college decision is out of the way and he can enjoy his senior year with his friends and family without worrying about where he will commit.

“The thing I’m looking forward to most about being part of the Illini is the atmosphere and the relationships between the coaches and players,” Von Seggern said. ‘FamILLy is a big thing at Illinois but they don’t just say it, they act upon it and live by it!”

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