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.