Greetings all who are curious about the latest word on the status of Hemp in Illinois. As you may already know, the S.B. 2298 was passed and was sent for signature to Gov. Rauner where it has remained unsigned for the time being. It is rumored that he will sign the bill into law this month and there is little other talk about it at the moment. Not to worry, because there are still plenty of things happening with Illinois hemp to keep up with.
Sun Times’ Pot Topics talks Rauner, Ashley’s Law, and Hemp
- Democratic state senator urges Governor Rauner to sign “Ashley’s Law,” one of three cannabis-related bills that have recently been sent to his desk;
- In addition to “Ashley’s Law,” Rauner is also considering bills that would legalize industrialized hemp and offer medical pot as an opioid replacement. Those bills also received strong bipartisan support in Springfield.
Hemp gets noticed by pharmaceutical industry
-Ned Milenkovich, former vice chairman of the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy
Hemp Business Journal estimates record sales and peak growth in 2019
“As the U.S. hemp market continues to grow at a double digit pace annually, American consumers continue to demonstrate their strong interest in hemp products,”
-Eric Steenstra, President of Vote Hemp
Cannabis-conscious wellness centers like this one are poised to succeed
“We have grown from a small wellness facility to a clinic with medical doctor distribution channels across the USA. We never expected to grow so much on the retail side that we would eventually jump into national distribution.”
-Kalee Hooghkirk, Owner of Entourage Clinical Services
Bureau County woman champions industrial hemp in her home state
“If more farmers took a chance on hemp, it could help alleviate environmental issues, while providing farmers all kinds of economic benefits.”
-Rachel Berry, Hemp Advocate
