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Pritzker said he’s advocated for new state laws to restrict the
distribution of hemp infused drinks, gummies or candies. After
an unrelated event Tuesday, he said they have to get a handle on
it for public safety as children are getting their hands on such
products.
“I am pushing that,” Pritzker said. “If the legislature and if
the advocates for the hemp industry are unwilling to do it, then
we will take executive action because this should not be the
case.”
Last year, things came to a boil over the issue of regulating
hemp products with legislation failing to advance. Pritzker
expressed frustration that nothing is being done to change state
law.
“They've got to understand, people are getting sick,” Pritzker
said. “Children are getting sick. Children are able to get a
hold of this in a way that they shouldn't.”
Pritzker said there’s a framework of regulation for the
adult-use cannabis industry.
“We should have a regulated environment for hemp,” he said.
Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association Board President Justin
Ward said they agree with the governor on preventing potentially
dangerous products from ending up in the hands of minors.
"We absolutely believe there needs to be age limits in products
and there needs to be product testing as well,” Ward told The
Center Square. “This is why we are actively pushing legislation
to regulate the sale of hemp products in Illinois. We must
preserve the rights of consumers to access the healthy
alternatives they need while at the same protecting kids.”
Ward said they look forward to working with the Pritzker
administration “to enact the kind of responsible regulations
that will make Illinois a leader in product safety."
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