Illinois Gov. Weighing Executive Order to Regulate Hemp THC Products

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said Tuesday that if lawmakers won’t pass
regulations for intoxicating hemp products, he may take executive action on
the issue, the Chicago Tribune reports.

If he follows through, Pritzker would be following in the footsteps of
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who last week established an age requirement
for hemp THC products and set other industry regulations via executive order
after lawmakers failed to accommodate his requests on the issue — requests
he made after vetoing an outright ban on hemp THC products earlier this
year.

Currently, intoxicating hemp THC products are being sold unregulated in
Illinois retailers including vape shops, gas stations, and convenience
stores.

“We should have a regulated environment for hemp, and I am pushing that. If
the legislature and if the advocates for the hemp industry are unwilling to
do it, then we will take executive action.” — Pritzker via the Tribune

Meanwhile, the Illinois Hemp Business Association has called for lawmakers
to “wisely regulate” hemp products but not ban them, the report said,
pushing for an age limit of 21 and product testing and labeling
requirements. The group is also calling for a hemp product tax that would
be reinvested in communities.