New Chicago hemp product law – Doctor warns children are not safe

The Chicago City Council is considering a proposal by Mayor Brandon Johnson that would tighten rules for the sale of intoxicating hemp products in order to protect children and teenagers.

City Health Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige told city council members that it is high time the city takes action, as numerous products containing THC (with the legal limit under 0.3%) have become easily accessible to minors.

According to the proposal, the sale of delta-8 and similar hemp derivatives would be banned to persons under 21 years of age, while all products resembling popular candies, snacks, and cookies would be removed from the market. The goal is to prevent the attraction of children through packaging similar to branded treats.

The new law also provides for a tax of $2 per product, which would bring about $10 million a year to the city treasury. Stores wishing to continue sales would have to obtain a license for $1,750, and sales would be banned near schools and kindergartens, following the example of the tobacco product ban.

However, many aldermen expressed doubt about the city's readiness to implement quality control, because the health department, according to Dr. Egua, „does not have the capacity to test products.“ Alderman Scott Waguespack called the plan „backward,“ while Jeanette Taylor warned that some citizens had already ended up in the hospital after consuming mislabeled hemp products.

While some believe the proposal will protect the youngest, others see it as a premature move that could confuse consumers and merchants. A decision on the adoption of this law is expected soon.

SOURCE: WTTW, PHOTO: PIXABAY