Chicago Council Panel Votes to Ban Intoxicating Hemp Products
A key committee in Chicago has voted to ban hemp products containing psychoactive compounds, a move that would preempt a federal ban set to take effect later this year.
The proposal, championed by Alderman Marty Quinn, aims to outlaw hemp beverages, gummies, edibles, and other products with similar effects to marijuana. However, industry leaders and the city's mayor, Brandon Johnson, strongly oppose the measure, citing potential economic losses and job cuts.
Quinn argues that the ban is necessary to protect consumers, particularly children, from unregulated products. He claims that most hemp businesses are legitimate and want to ensure public safety, just like they would with any other industry.
However, Quinn's proposal has sparked concerns about the impact on small businesses and the hemp industry as a whole. Ivan Capifali, head of the city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, warns that enforcing such a ban could be nearly impossible, threatening hundreds or thousands of jobs.
Industry leaders have long advocated for setting an age minimum of 21 to purchase hemp products, along with testing and labeling standards. They argue that these measures can help ensure public safety while allowing the industry to thrive.
The proposal now heads to the full City Council, which will decide whether to ban intoxicating hemp products across the city. If approved, it would take effect within a 10-day window, imposing penalties of up to $5,000 on businesses selling such products.
As the debate continues, lawmakers are grappling with how to regulate the growing hemp industry, which has been driven by a loophole in federal legislation that allows for THC extraction and concentration. The federal spending bill recently passed includes a provision to close this loophole by November 2026, unless Congress intervenes.
A key committee in Chicago has voted to ban hemp products containing psychoactive compounds, a move that would preempt a federal ban set to take effect later this year.
The proposal, championed by Alderman Marty Quinn, aims to outlaw hemp beverages, gummies, edibles, and other products with similar effects to marijuana. However, industry leaders and the city's mayor, Brandon Johnson, strongly oppose the measure, citing potential economic losses and job cuts.
Quinn argues that the ban is necessary to protect consumers, particularly children, from unregulated products. He claims that most hemp businesses are legitimate and want to ensure public safety, just like they would with any other industry.
However, Quinn's proposal has sparked concerns about the impact on small businesses and the hemp industry as a whole. Ivan Capifali, head of the city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, warns that enforcing such a ban could be nearly impossible, threatening hundreds or thousands of jobs.
Industry leaders have long advocated for setting an age minimum of 21 to purchase hemp products, along with testing and labeling standards. They argue that these measures can help ensure public safety while allowing the industry to thrive.
The proposal now heads to the full City Council, which will decide whether to ban intoxicating hemp products across the city. If approved, it would take effect within a 10-day window, imposing penalties of up to $5,000 on businesses selling such products.
As the debate continues, lawmakers are grappling with how to regulate the growing hemp industry, which has been driven by a loophole in federal legislation that allows for THC extraction and concentration. The federal spending bill recently passed includes a provision to close this loophole by November 2026, unless Congress intervenes.
They're trying to ban intoxicating hemp products in Chicago, but isn't that just another case of "better safe than sorry"? I'm worried about the impact on small businesses and the hemp industry as a whole. It's like they're playing catch-up with the federal government on regulating this industry. 
! So they're trying to ban all hemp products with psychoactive compounds? Like, what's next? Banning coffee because it gives you a buzz? It seems like a total overreach to me, especially since most hemp businesses are legit and just want to make safe products 
The federal loophole thing is pretty confusing too... can't they just set some basic standards instead of trying to regulate everything? 
I mean, I'm all for trying new foods and all, but have you ever noticed how they always put the most epic designs on their Instagram posts? 
It's like, "Oh yeah, our donuts are literally art." Meanwhile, I just get a sugar rush and a regretful stomach 
. Anyway, back to hemp... what if we could make CBD products that are actually safe for kids? 
Maybe they could even market it as a fun, edible puzzle toy or something 
i feel for small businesses and the industry as a whole tho, they just wanna make a living and do what's best for their customers. 
like, setting an age min of 21 and testing standards sounds pretty reasonable to me... maybe we can find a middle ground here 
the mayor & industry leaders r on same page abt dis, but it's all good cuz chicago got this 4 now lol 
. I mean, hemp is still a relatively new thing and we're only just starting to figure out its potential benefits.
. I've seen some people in my community who make their living selling hemp products and it's hard to imagine them losing that income 
. Maybe instead of a blanket ban, we should be focusing on setting some clear regulations and standards for the industry? That way everyone can play by the same rules and stay safe at the same time 
. I hope they take a more nuanced approach than just shutting everything down out of hand 
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The city council is still figuring that out, so fingers crossed they come up with a good solution 
. I just wish we could all agree on what to do and just move forward 
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. Can't we just set some basic standards for testing and labeling like they're proposing? It seems like a win-win to me! 21+ for hemp products sounds reasonable 
also the mayor is opposed to it so idk if it'll even get passed 
a 10-day ban window? that's super rushed... can't we just wait till the feds sort out their act? 
also, what's with the $5k penalty? seems kinda harsh 
and btw, how do they even enforce this ban on products already on the market 
. Industry leaders are proposing some reasonable measures like age limits and testing standards – can't we find a middle ground? 
?
i got friends who started a hemp business last year and now theyre worried about losing everything 
it feels like the city is just trying to get in front of the feds on this one, but really its just gonna cause more problems 
