Chicago Upholds Veto on Hemp Ban
An attempt by the Chicago City Council to override Mayor Brandon Johnson's veto of a proposed hemp ban has failed. The veto was upheld, effectively halting proposed restrictions on the sale of hemp products within the city. This decision preserves the current market for hemp-derived products in Chicago.
- The proposed ordinance, introduced by Alderman Marty Quinn, would have restricted the sale of most intoxicating hemp products to licensed cannabis dispensaries. However, it included exemptions for beverages, additives, topical creams, and pet products. - Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed the ban, citing concerns that it would harm small, minority-owned businesses that entered the hemp market after being excluded from the expensive cannabis licensing process. He advocated for regulation, including age verification and responsible labeling, rather than an outright ban. - Proponents of the ban argued it was necessary to protect children from products that are often packaged to resemble candy and snacks. - The attempt to override the mayor's veto failed with a City Council vote of 26-20, falling short of the 34 votes required. The original ban had passed with a 32-16 vote. - Chicago's hemp retailers generate an estimated $475 million in annual sales, contributing around $30 million in sales tax revenue to the city. - Mayor Johnson has indicated a desire to work with the City Council and industry stakeholders to create a "responsible regulatory framework" for hemp products, suggesting that future regulations are likely. - The city's decision comes as a potential federal ban on intoxicating hemp products is anticipated to take effect in November, although new legislation could delay that until 2028.
