Illinois Lawmaker Convenes Initial Meeting To Discuss Challenges For State’s Hemp Industry

“The differentiation nationwide between hemp and marijuana products is an attempt by one industry to take more control over the other industry.”

By Greg Bishop, The Center Square

Discussions continue among stakeholders in the Illinois hemp industry to come to what they say should be common sense regulations.

The Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association hosted its first panel discussion Thursday in Chicago. State Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) said the goal is to define and discuss the challenges facing the hemp industry.

“Both nationally and at the state level, and discuss legislative solutions to ensure that children and minors are protected while also enabling adult consumers to access alternative health solutions that they need,” Ford said.

Hemp was rescheduled in 2018 with that year’s federal farm bill, opening up the industry. Since then, hemp products have come in all shapes and sizes, including delta-8 THC, a derivative with intoxicating properties some worry is too accessible to youth.

Part of the debate is what age to restrict hemp sales. Craig Katz said whether it’s 18 or 21 depends on who you ask.

“It’s an issue that no one should object to. Everyone should want to protect children. And that’s one of our primary goals, is to protect children,” Katz said. “The problem is, I think, to some extent, it’s become a political football. And, you get different sides of the aisle that want to make a statement in one way, shape or form.”

Katz further said there could be a possible exception for military veterans between the ages of 18 and 21.

“Our philosophy on that is if you’re old enough to fight for the country, then you should be old enough to make a decision as to what products you can use,” Katz said.

Cannabis, which is still illegal on a federal level, has been legalized and taxed for recreational use in Illinois. Products are taxed up to more than 40 percent, depending on the potency of the product. Hemp is different than cannabis, being much weaker in the amount of the intoxicating compounds cannabis, or marijuana, is known for.

Katz said their efforts are to secure the hemp industry’s independence.

“And that’s what this mostly comes down to in terms of the differentiation nationwide between hemp and marijuana products is an attempt by one industry to take more control over the other industry,” Katz said.

Part of the conversation also discussed uncertainty about possible changes to hemp regulation in a new federal farm bill. Those details are still being negotiated.

The next panel discussion will be in Rockford. A date has yet to be determined.

This story was first published by The Center Square.