Hemp Industry Faces New Challenges Amid Growing Legislation Concerns

The journey of hemp businesses in Illinois has not been easy. Despite their dedication to providing natural, plant-based wellness solutions, many in the hemp industry face significant obstacles. High insurance costs, steep credit card processing fees, and banks that refuse to work with hemp businesses are just a few of the everyday challenges. Now, the industry faces a new threat: proposed legislation that could severely impact its future.

At the heart of these businesses is a commitment to improving people's lives through hemp, a plant that has been used for centuries in natural medicine. From alleviating pain and anxiety to improving sleep and digestion, hemp has been celebrated for it’s healing properties. However, the industry's biggest hurdle may not be the plant itself, but the stigma and lack of education surrounding it.

Many people still harbor skepticism about hemp-based products, including CBD. One big difference between CBD and other natural wellness products is the judgment that surrounds it. In fact, some individuals are even hesitant to walk into hemp shops due to uncertainty and fear. But businesses like SunKissed Greenz are dedicated to providing a welcoming environment where people can learn and feel comfortable exploring natural wellness solutions.

"Our goal is the same as our customers'—to help them feel better through natural, plant-based medicine," says a representative from SunKissed Greenz. "We educate, we offer premium products, and we create a space where people can feel at ease."

This commitment was highlighted in May 2024, when SunKissed Greenz spent Memorial Day weekend visiting veterans' events to support those dealing with pain, PTSD, and other challenges. In the midst of these efforts, the business was also fighting for its survival. During that weekend, the team wrote letters to state and House representatives urging them to educate themselves on the hemp industry before pushing through new laws that could jeopardize their livelihoods.

This ongoing battle has resurfaced as Governor J.B. Pritzker pushes for the passage of HB4293, a bill that would severely harm small hemp businesses. The Illinois hemp industry is voicing strong opposition to the bill, which was previously rejected by lawmakers in 2024 after widespread protest. Despite this, the bill is being rushed through the legislative process again, threatening to recriminalize much of the hemp sector and disrupt the livelihoods of local farmers and small businesses.

One of the justifications for supporting this bill is to protect children from the potential dangers of Delta-8, a form of THC found in hemp products. Pritzker's plan to ban Delta-8 from hemp businesses, rather than regulate it, is concerning to many within the hemp industry. While Delta-8 can be incredibly beneficial for adults dealing with pain, anxiety, and other health issues, it also has psychoactive effects. The hemp community agrees that Delta-8 should never be sold to minors, and that products should not be marketed to children. However, the push to ban Delta-8 entirely may be an overreach. This is why many are advocating for HB5903, a more balanced and regulatory approach to address these concerns.

"If we're going to talk about regulation, we shouldn’t ignore other industries, like alcohol and energy drinks," says a spokesperson from SunKissed Greenz. "When was the last time you walked into a liquor store? Some of your children’s favorite brands, like Minute Maid and Sunny D, are marketed to kids, yet they contain alcohol. And then there are energy drinks marketed with Sour Punch and Kool-Aid branding, aimed at children. While we agree that packaging should not target kids, we have to ask, why is it acceptable for other adult-focused industries to market toward children?"

In fact, the rise of energy drinks has led to a 20% increase in calls to U.S. poison centers in 2023, as more children are consuming these products. These drinks are often marketed with cartoon characters, popular family brand names, and bright colors that attract young consumers. The hemp industry believes that the focus should be on appropriate regulation and safeguards, not on blanket bans that would create greater challenges for adults seeking natural solutions for health problems.

"The issue isn't with Delta-8, it's with the lack of appropriate regulations," says Misty Nelson from SunKissed Greenz. "A ban would drive prices up for consumers and make it harder for adults to access affordable, natural solutions for conditions like pain, anxiety, and insomnia."

In response to this legislation, the Illinois Hemp Growers Association (IHGA) is rallying behind HB5903, a more balanced and fair approach to hemp reform. This bill aims to address public safety concerns while supporting the continued growth of Illinois' hemp industry.

"HB5903 offers a common-sense solution that protects consumers and supports Illinois’ hemp businesses," says the Illinois Hemp Growers Association. "This bill ensures that hemp products remain accessible while promoting economic growth."

On January 4, 2025, industry leaders and stakeholders will gather at the Illinois State Capitol to advocate for HB5903 during Hemp Lobby Day. It's a critical moment for hemp businesses to unite and demonstrate their support for legislation that will ensure a thriving and sustainable hemp industry in Illinois.

For businesses like SunKissed Greenz, the fight for survival continues. About 40% of their business comes from Delta-8 purchases, and they are committed to providing the best hemp-based wellness products and educating their community. Their mission remains unchanged: to help people feel better through natural, plant-based medicine.

Though there is no current minimum age restriction for purchasing Delta-8, many hemp shops, including SunKissed Greenz, already have their own age restrictions in place. At SunKissed Greenz, customers must be 21 to purchase any CBD product, regardless of whether it contains psychoactive effects.

As the battle over legislation continues, local hemp businesses urge their customers and supporters to contact their representatives and voice their support for the hemp industry. Through collective action, the industry can overcome its obstacles and continue providing the healing benefits that hemp has offered for centuries.

About SunKissed Greenz:

SunKissed Greenz is a woman-owned, family-operated CBD storefront and laboratory based in Mokena, Illinois. The company specializes in premium, small-batch CBD and wellness products made with organic ingredients. SunKissed Greenz is committed to educating the community about the benefits of hemp and advocating for legislation that supports the growth of the hemp industry.