State Reps Fight For Stricter Delta Hemp Rules And Consumer Safety In IL, Here's What They Propose

Illinois lawmakers are pushing further to regulate delta-8 and other similar intoxicating hemp products statewide.

State Representatives Lakesia Collins, La Shawn Ford and Cyril Nichols invited their fellow lawmakers impacted businesses, advocates, and other stakeholders to come together on Wednesday to develop a comprehensive plan for the safe regulation of certain hemp-derived products.

Because products like delta-8 are derived from hemp and are legal under federal law, state regulation of such products must be significantly strengthened, the legislators said in a press release.

The push, which has support from state-based delta hemp companies such as Chi'Tiva, implies additional safety measures, including raising the purchase age to 21, implementing strict licensing, testing and labeling regulations, as well as a tax on intoxicating delta hemp products.

The lawmakers also plan to propose legislation to regulate the delta hemp industry in time for the Illinois General Assembly to consider during its fall veto session.

"We need to make sure that any intoxicating delta hemp product available in Illinois is carefully tested and is labeled with ingredients, dosages and any other pertinent information," Collins said. "Consumers must know what they're getting and where it comes from.

Meanwhile, the move comes on the heels of news that the Drug Enforcement Administration is considering and evaluating its legal position surrounding cannabinoids such as THCA, delta-8 THC and hydrogenated CBD. With a letter dated June 9, the agency addressed confusion around the legality of minor cannabinoids under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Photo: Courtesy of CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash