Illinois to enforce new restrictions on hemp products Nov. 12

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

ILLINOIS (KBSI) — New restrictions on hemp products will take effect in Illinois on Nov. 12, limiting where certain products containing THC can be sold.

According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, consumable and topical hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container will be classified as cannabis.

Under the new rules, those products can only be sold by licensed cannabis dispensaries and must meet state cannabis regulations.

The THC limit applies to the entire container rather than individual servings. The change could affect beverages, gummies and other hemp products currently sold at convenience stores, smoke shops and other retailers without cannabis licenses.

Hemp products that meet the state’s requirements can continue to be sold outside licensed dispensaries. Those requirements include restrictions on ingredients, laboratory testing, labeling and packaging.

State officials are encouraging retailers to review their inventory before the deadline and make arrangements for products they will no longer be permitted to sell.

Businesses that sell products classified as cannabis without the required license could face civil or criminal penalties, product seizures and fines.

The Illinois Department of Revenue said the state plans to begin enforcement Nov. 12, despite a federal delay in related restrictions until Dec. 11.