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.