Illinois state lawmakers could pass major cannabis and hemp policy changes during the last few days of this year’s legislative session, WAND reports.
The proposals, HB 5784 and SB 20, seek to regulate hemp-derived CBD products and establish the Illinois medical and adult-use cannabis industries.
Co-sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D), the legislation would create a regulatory framework for non-intoxicating, hemp-derived CBD products ahead of the federal pivot coming this November on hemp-derived THC.
The legislation also seeks to enact multiple cannabis industry reforms, including doubling the possession limits for all Illinois residents, expanding expungement opportunities, allowing telehealth for medical cannabis patients, allowing dispensary drive-throughs, and extending dispensary operational hours until 2 a.m.
“From protecting a grandmother buying CBD oil for arthritis to making sure a social equity transporter can build a real business to guarding underage youth from harmful products, this bill is simply about people. Effective regulation is about safeguarding public health and fostering a sustainable, trustworthy market.” — Sen. Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D), in a statement
The bills also contain provisions to help businesses that are currently selling intoxicating hemp products move into the state’s licensed cannabis industry, with language reserving the first licenses for social equity applicants.
The proposals were both recently heard in committee. The session is scheduled to adjourn on May 31, 2026.
