SPRINGFIELD – The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois released the following statement regarding Gov. JB Pritzker’s call for regulations on intoxicating hemp products:
“A federal loophole has allowed for the proliferation of intoxicating hemp products such as Delta 8, which use potentially harmful chemicals to alter the composition of hemp to get consumers high. This is happening outside the structure of the state’s legal cannabis industry, meaning there are no rules or regulations guiding the production or sale of these products – which the Federal Drug Administration warns have not been evaluated for ‘safe use in any context.’ This not only leaves consumers at risk, it also undermines the state’s carefully regulated cannabis market, particularly social equity cannabis license holders who face extensive rules and regulations to operate while those selling intoxicating hemp continue to get off easy,” said Tiffany Chappell Ingram, Executive Director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois.
“We applaud Gov. JB Pritzker’s call to protect consumers and rein in this gray market. We urge lawmakers to take swift action, as Illinois is already falling behind other states that have adopted meaningful regulations. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, House Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner and House Assistant Majority Leader Barbara Hernandez have been strong legislative champions, and we look forward to working collaboratively to put in place a measure that will empower consumers, protect public health and help ensure our state’s legal cannabis industry can reach its full potential.”
About the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois (CBAI)
The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois serves as the voice of Illinois’ cannabis industry by advocating for patient well-being, consumer safety, greater equity and inclusion, job creation, community investment and the responsible use of cannabis. CBAI is a non-profit association that represents Illinois cannabis businesses licensed by the state of Illinois, as well as ancillary businesses that support the cannabis industry and social equity applicants. For more information, visit www.cbail.org.