Chicago City Council urges Illinois to regulate hemp products

The Chicago City Council is urging state lawmakers to create regulations for hemp products. This comes as Mayor Brandon Johnson's local efforts appear to struggle. A letter signed by 28 aldermen expressed concern about the lack of laws governing these products, which can have intoxicating effects. The aldermen argue that Chicago cannot effectively manage hemp regulations on its own. They emphasized the need for quick state action to impose restrictions and taxes on hemp sales. The letter, sent to Illinois General Assembly members, raises doubts about whether Johnson’s plans for local guidelines will gain support. In January, Mayor Johnson blocked a vote on stricter state regulations, citing revenue concerns. He had been promoting taxes from hemp sales as a way to help the city's budget. However, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized Johnson for missing opportunities to build relationships with state leaders. Despite these challenges, Johnson has continued to work on city regulations for hemp. Some aldermen have successfully implemented local bans on hemp sales, while Johnson's team has proposed setting guidelines. Alderman William Hall is drafting an ordinance to limit the number of hemp stores and require proper testing for products. There is growing pressure from the hemp industry and public safety advocates for more rules. Alderman Bennett Lawson mentioned that while they aim to create local rules, they depend on state action to establish a regulatory framework. Two bills are currently stalled in Springfield, one from Senator Kimberly Lightford and another from Representative La Shawn Ford. Both aim to impose some regulations on hemp sales, but they differ in their scope. As time passes, the urgency to regulate these products is increasing. Many worry about the safety of children, as unregulated hemp products become more available in the market.