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Illinois Governor Pritzker Pushes for Hemp Regulation

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OG Article By Cole Preston

September 16 2025

ATF Raids Spark Debate

ATF and U.S. Marshals raided vape manufacturers in six states, including Illinois. The raids followed a Supreme Court ruling upholding the FDA’s ban on unauthorized flavored vapes, citing youth tobacco risks. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. prioritized illicit vaping products from China.

Pritzker’s Concerns

Governor JB Pritzker raised alarms about hemp products, especially their impact on children. He warned of using executive authority if legislators fail to act. In January, Pritzker backed a bill to limit hemp-derived THC (HDLT) sales to licensed dispensaries.

Texas Comparison

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order for mandatory ID checks on THC purchases, balancing child safety and adult access. Illinois’ proposed bill would have fined unlicensed cannabis businesses $10,000 daily.

Bill Failure

The Pritzker-supported bill passed the Senate but stalled in the House. Speaker Chris Welch said it lacked support. Welch’s team is open to safety-focused solutions using existing laws.

Illinois Cannabis Market

Illinois’ cannabis market, over a decade old, is restrictive and costly. Federally legal hemp products offer consumers an alternative. Pritzker’s bill targeted local businesses, not online retailers.

Hemp vs. Cannabis

Hemp: Cannabis with less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC, federally legal per the 2018 Farm Bill.
Cannabis: Products with over 0.3% Delta-9-THC, regulated by state laws, illegal federally.

Market Debate

Illinois tightly limits dispensary licenses to prevent price drops and bankruptcies. Pritzker and regulators support this to protect businesses. Critics argue for open competition to benefit consumers.

Next Steps

Pritzker’s executive powers are limited, as cannabis regulations require legislative approval. He could mirror Texas’ age restrictions to curb underage sales.

Pritzker’s Statement

I’m deeply concerned about intoxicating hemp in this state. We must act, legislatively or through executive authority, to stop unregulated hemp sales. It’s making our children sick, and it’s a shame we haven’t done more. – Governor JB Pritzker