Illinois Gov. Signs Bill Banning Sale of Intoxicating Hemp to Under-21

Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill that  immediately bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products to people under the age of 21,

Beginning in November, intoxicating hemp products will be subject to rules in the Ohio Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, including:

• Requiring child-proof packaging;
• Banning misleading marketing and packaging that rips off consumer brands to appeal to children; and
• Ensuring the existing cannabis regulatory framework applies to intoxicating hemp products.

“Instead of letting an ambiguous marketplace keep putting people at risk, Illinois is taking action to protect consumers of all ages, especially children, from misleading packaging and labeling,” Pritzker said. “This landmark legislation closes the intoxicating hemp loophole while bolstering equity and oversight and expanding medical access. Illinois is committed to cultivating a cannabis industry that benefits diverse businesses across the state and prioritizes accessibility, and I am proud to sign this measure into law.”

In a related development, other media are reporting a federal judge in Ohio issued a temporary restraing order than bans enforcement of Ohio's new law prohibiting the sale of hemp-derived THC drinks. We could not verify.

In another related development, Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) introduced the "Hemp-Derived Beverage Regulatory Clarity Act." It would allow adults of ver 21 topurchase and consume hemp THC drinkks with up to 5 milligrams of delta-9 THC per serving. And it would impost a federal tax of 10 cents per milligram of any hemp-derived cannabinoid in the beverage.