Chicago committee advances hemp-THC ban as federal prohibition looms

A Chicago City Council committee approved an ordinance that would ban the sale of hemp-THC products. It now moves to a full city council vote. | Photo: Shutterstock

With a federal ban on hemp-THC products looming for next year, a Chicago City Council committee this week advanced a proposal to prohibit intoxicating hemp sales in the city on an even faster timeline. 

The proposal passed the Committee on License and Consumer Protection by a 10-6 vote Wednesday and it will now head to the full city council. It is unclear whether that vote will take place at the next city council meeting on Dec. 10 or at a later meeting. 

The proposed ordinance is being pushed by 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn and calls for a citywide ban on the sale of hemp-THC products, which would take effect within 10 days of the passage of the ordinance and would impose penalties of up to $5,000 to those who violate it.

The Illinois Restaurant Association is among those who do not support the ban. 

“We support a regulated hemp beverage industry,” Sam Toia, the group’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “There is no one better trained in carding patrons and ensuring compliance than our city’s restaurants, bars and breweries. Many turned to hemp products as an alternative, as alcohol sales have decreased. A potential ban will cause serious harm to many of these small businesses struggling to stay afloat.”

Quinn banned hemp-THC sales in his ward early this year and he has aided a half dozen Chicago alderman in passing similar ordinances in their wards. 

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, however, supports regulating the sale of hemp-THC products in the city, not banning them, and has proposed requirements around retailer licensing, testing and labeling, as well as limiting purchases to those 21 and older. He has also proposed taxing hemp-THC beverages, edibles and more to generate revenue for the cash-strapped city. 

The committee hearing included vocal business owners who sell hemp-derived products, which have grown significantly in popularity in recent years in Chicago’s liquor stores, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, concert venues and more, according to media reports. 

“Hemp isn’t the enemy,” said Rehaan Mirza, owner of Kizmah CBD, a smoke shop in Ukrainian Village, as quoted in Block Club Chicago. “It’s a lifeline for thousands of Chicagoans dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia and stress. It’s a growing economic sector that supports local jobs.”

Quinn, however, referred to businesses selling hemp-THC products as “shady operations,” the publication said. 

Ivan Capifali, commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, said a full hemp-THC ban would take unprecedented manpower to enforce. 

“We’ll have to test everything to see if it’s hemp or not,” Capifali said in the Block Club article. 

A spending bill signed by President Donald Trump last month to end the long-running government shutdown contained a provision to ban the sale of virtually all hemp-THC products in November 2026. 

Those who make, distribute and sell the products, as well as industry lobbyists, are currently working to amend the legislation and create a federal regulatory structure for hemp-THC products. 

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Heather Lalley is the managing editor of Restaurant Business, Supermarket News and CSP Daily News. She previously served as editor in chief of Winsight Grocery Business

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