The Cole Memo

I recently wrote about a new state reference lab, mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, which is part of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). CRI operates under the Discovery Partners Institute, a research center within the University of Illinois system.

The Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) officially launched with an event, which was live-streamed on Youtube. Supported by $7 million in state funding through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), CRI aims to conduct unbiased research into crop improvement, medical applications, and the societal impacts of cannabis legalization.

Opening statements were made by Governor JB Pritzker and University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen with panel discussions further emphasizing CRI’s role in fostering scientific inquiry and community impact.

This article features high-level overview of key points discussed during the live-stream, paired with additional context and insights to deepen your understanding. You can view the live-streamed video below.

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1. Opening Statements
   1. Tim Killeen
   2. Governor Pritzker
2. Critical context
3. Panel Discussion Highlights
   1. Illinois’ Cannabis Per-Se Limit: An Impossible Standard?
   2. Hemp vs. Marijuana: A Legal Distinction, Not a Botanical One
      1. Solutions
4. Closing the Event
5. Media Coverage

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Opening Statements

Tim Killeen

University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen opened the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) launch event by highlighting the Institute’s potential to address critical gaps in cannabis research and policy. He emphasized the University’s commitment to improving the lives of Illinois residents through unbiased, data-driven research and collaboration with state agencies, communities, and industry leaders. Killeen framed CRI as a key initiative to advance knowledge in areas such as crop management, health impacts, and social equity, all while reducing stigma and promoting public trust in cannabis-related science.

Quote from Tim Killeen

“The University of Illinois system exists to improve the lives of our state’s residents, and with CRI, our research enterprise is perfectly suited to collaborate with the state of Illinois and the community.

The goal of this event is to establish and begin establishing CRI as a trusted source of unbiased, factually accurate information—research into crop management, health, medicinal effects, and social equity impact. Community engagement is going to be one of the principal drivers behind everything we do.

We’re going to be working to document the public’s needs, explore the healthcare properties of cannabis, and find ways to make its production as a crop more efficient.”

University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen

Killeen also recognized the essential role of partnerships in making CRI a reality, thanking Governor Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and other stakeholders for their vision and support. He underscored the importance of CRI in establishing Illinois as a leader in cannabis research, noting that the Institute’s work would focus on addressing public needs, exploring the plant’s therapeutic potential, and creating opportunities for sustainable, equitable development. Concluding his remarks, Killeen expressed pride in the University’s role in shaping a forward-thinking approach to the cannabis industry.

Governor Pritzker

Governor JB Pritzker celebrated the launch of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) as a milestone in Illinois’ leadership within the cannabis industry, emphasizing the state’s commitment to equity and innovation. He lauded CRI for advancing scientific inquiry and data-driven policy, highlighting its potential to inform public understanding and shape regulatory frameworks.

Reflecting on progress, Pritzker noted Illinois’ achievements in expunging over 800,000 cannabis-related arrest records and investing cannabis revenue into community development initiatives like legal aid, youth outreach, and violence prevention. He framed CRI as an extension of these efforts, describing it as a vehicle to reduce stigma, foster scientific breakthroughs, and build a more equitable industry.

Pritzker ended his remarks by expressing hope for CRI’s ability to transform perceptions and policies around cannabis, stating, “What we’ve done in Illinois is remarkable… and we’re still just at the beginning”

Critical context

From the beginning, I’ve said that this effort would require more than just disentangling the convoluted and ineffective laws that were on the books. It would require us to dispel the lingering biases and misconceptions that put those laws on the books in the first place. We’d need to change the public perception around cannabis,

fight back against misinformation, bring more scientific study into the industry, and have honest, productive conversations about the opportunities associated with legalization. That is exactly what CRI is here to do: use innovative research and data collection to deepen our understanding of cannabis and help shape the future of this industry—better inform the public, develop policies for consumer protection, economic and community development, and equity.

Governor JB Pritzker

Although the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act begins by stating its intent to “allow law enforcement to focus on violent and property crimes,” the state of Illinois continues to rely on criminal law as the primary enforcement mechanism for all cannabis-related activities. Critics argue that using criminal law as the primary enforcement mechanism upholds the “convoluted and ineffective laws” Governor Pritzker referenced and raises questions about whether the Act has truly achieved its goal of disentangling these legal complexities.

Illinois’ new cannabis regime fails to recognize that slight deviations from the law should incur proportionately slight penalties. In 2019, the General Assembly decided that the existing boundary lines were too restrictive, so it expanded the permissible field of play. But by neglecting to adjust the penalties to match the new field of play, stepping out of bounds at the margins is now a much bigger deal than it was prior to the change. This reflects a failure on the part of lawmakers to appreciate the meaning of meaningful cannabis reform.

Popular support for cannabis reform is about much more than simply providing an accommodation for adults who want to get high—it’s a recognition that cannabis and the criminal law should not be so intertwined. The General Assembly should stop treating cannabis and the criminal law as two warring interest groups. Handing a victory to cannabis does not require handing an in-kind victory to the criminal law in the form of harsher penalties at the margins. It’s not a zero-sum game. Meaningful cannabis reform begins with the recognition that personal cannabis use and possession need not be a criminal issue.

Evan Bruno, Illinois State Bar Association

Panel Discussion Highlights

The event featured a panel of experts moderated by Dr. Mila Marshall, a cannabis policy educator and contributor to Chicago News Weekly. Panelists included Dr. Reggie Gaudino (Director of the Cannabis Research Institute), Dr. Donell Barnett (Behavioral Health Advisor at IDHS), Nathaniel Inglis Steinfeld (Deputy Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer), and Illinois State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado. The discussion focused on CRI’s mission, the need for unbiased research, and its potential to drive innovation in Illinois’ cannabis industry.

Dr. Gaudino emphasized the importance of expanding cannabis research beyond THC and CBD, highlighting opportunities in fields like medical therapeutics, sustainability, and industrial applications such as hemp-based biofuels and textiles. Dr. Barnett discussed the importance of community involvement in shaping research priorities and addressing the ongoing impacts of the War on Drugs. Representative Delgado highlighted the critical role of accurate, unbiased information for creating effective public policy and addressing misconceptions about cannabis.

The panelists also outlined CRI’s interdisciplinary approach, with partnerships across universities, state agencies, and community organizations to foster education, equity, and innovation. Audience members were encouraged to view cannabis through a broader lens, recognizing its economic, social, and scientific potential while dismantling lingering stigmas.

Quotes from panel

Dr. Reggie Gaudino on Expanding Cannabis Research:

“It’s not just about THC and CBD anymore. We hope to reduce the stigma and show how hemp and cannabis can be integrated into industries like biofuels, bioplastics, and textiles, creating new economic opportunities.”

Nathaniel Inglis Steinfeld on Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

“CRI is a collaborative effort, connecting the dots between researchers, legislators, and the public to provide actionable, unbiased information about cannabis’ risks and benefits.”

Illinois’ Cannabis Per-Se Limit: An Impossible Standard?

During the panel, State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado spoke about the fact that intoxication of cannabis is currently impossible to prove.

If you are, for example, a police officer, firefighter, or someone else in a safety-sensitive position, you cannot use cannabis because, today, the testing doesn’t exist to determine whether someone is actually in an intoxicated state with cannabis. And you can correct me if I’m wrong, because I’m not a scientist, but I know this is something that has been coming up over and over again.

You can watch this moment below.

In 2016, Illinois decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis. Under this law, individuals caught with up to 10 grams of marijuana faced fines of $100 to $200. Additionally, the law altered the state’s zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence, introducing a “per se” limit.

A “per se” limit allows the state to assume guilt for driving under the influence based on the presence of THC in a driver’s system, even without evidence of actual impairment. These arbitrary thresholds have created challenges for cannabis users, particularly during traffic stops. Many individuals report being charged with intoxication despite not being impaired. Beyond the low threshold levels, a key concern lies in the methodology used by one of the few labs in Illinois that conduct this type of testing, a practice implemented following the 2016 change to the DUI statute. For a deeper dive into this issue, check out this episode for more information!

You can see Representative Delgado reference this issue in the clip below. You’ll notice that the entire panel nods in agreement.

Hemp vs. Marijuana: A Legal Distinction, Not a Botanical One

State Representative Delgado also initiated a discussion on hemp-derived legal-THC products (HDLT), which the panel referred to as “intoxicating hemp.” While the term was accepted during the conversation, critics argue that it is a vague descriptor that lacks technical precision

This is a conversation that’s happening right now, and we don’t have that information at our fingertips to be able to say, ‘Well, this is the right way to regulate it. These are the right definitions to put in here. These are the right ways that we want to make sure that we’re restricting or allowing access to it.’

Critics of hemp-derived products argue that these items are not fundamentally different from marijuana products sold in Illinois dispensaries.

An example: Cannabis retailer Ron Miller, has stated, “My shop is in direct competition with some of these shops that are allowed to sell synthesized THC-intoxicating products, which are just as intoxicating as the products that we sell but half the price.”

Generally speaking, the primary difference between the marijuana products sold by individuals like Ron Miller and those sold as HDLTs lies in their legal status. HDLTs are fully legal under federal law, while the marijuana products sold by dispensaries like Miller’s are legal only under Illinois state law and remain prohibited under federal law.

Novel cannabinoids are being sold by both hemp and marijuana industry businesses. The argument that “the science isn’t there yet” did not prevent the rapid adoption of state-level marijuana laws. The longstanding lack of research on cannabinoid consumption, across both marijuana and hemp industries, is well-known and pervasive—and does not, in itself, justify banning these products.

It’s notable to mention that hemp has played a pivotal role in restarting cannabis research at institutions across the United States, including the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, and others, largely due to the 2018 Farm Bill. Colleges, generally speaking, have prevented from studying marijuana due to its federal illegality, while hemp, being completely legal, has opened doors for academic research.

In short, all of these products are derived from the same botanical plant, cannabis, but HDLTs are legally defined as “hemp,” while CRTA products are legally defined as “marijuana.”

And that industry is booming. We are way behind in terms of trying to rein it back in, right? So it is a challenge that I know that we’re going to have to deal with in terms of, you know, being patient as the process happens. But the fact that it’s happening at all is beneficial.

You know, patience is not our greatest virtue in the legislature, but also: we can move slowly. Sometimes we do behave as a deliberative body because we don’t want to make a mistake that we can’t fix, right? So yes, it’s going to be hard to wait, but knowing that it’s happening, knowing that those things are on the horizon, I think gives us a lot of hope for the future.

This statement highlights Representative Delgado’s emphasis on the need for a thoughtful and methodical approach to regulating hemp-derived THC products (HDLTs). While she acknowledges the rapid growth of the industry and the challenges of catching up, she underscores the importance of stakeholder input and careful planning to avoid unintended consequences.

Her comments reflect an understanding that shutting down HDLT would disproportionately affect small businesses. The hemp industry comprises significantly more small-scale operators compared to the state’s marijuana industry, which, according to state data, is largely dominated by highly capitalized corporations.

Solutions

In the past session, the legislature considered introducing additional regulations to Illinois’ hemp industry. Initially, Senate leadership appeared to be rushing to push through legislation that would have effectively shut down all hemp farming in Illinois. Notably, this approach would not have prevented the continued purchase of these products through online sales. Ultimately, the legislation died in the house. State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, said the hemp measure didn’t have the required 60 votes to pass.

Recently, Rep. Sonya M. Harper introduced a hemp regulation reform bill, House Bill 5903, which proposes regulating hemp without altering the legal definition established by the 2018 Farm Bill. House Bill 5903 seeks to amend the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Industrial Hemp Act to bring clarity and consistency to the regulation of hemp products in Illinois.

HB5903 allows Illinois to regulate hemp-derived products in a manner that balances public safety with economic opportunity, creating a framework for labeling, age restrictions, and compliance while leaving the broader legal structure intact.

Closing the Event

The CRI launch event concluded with reflections from panelists on the progress made and the path ahead.

Quotes from closing

Representative Delgado highlighted how this initiative could play a key role in normalizing cannabis for the public.

Just looking around at the folks who are here in this room, you all are going to help us move Illinois forward—and that is what we are all about. We want to see this industry continue to grow and grow in a way that is equitable and supports our communities, which, I mean, that’s all we can ask for.

For those watching this livestream and for those of us in this room, if we can continue sharing this information, talking about this, and telling people—telling your neighbors—that this is an agency, an organization that exists and is moving forward, then maybe we can get you all some more money, which is always good.

But also, we’re putting this out there in the world so people can start to normalize the conversation around these things, which is really what we want to see in the future. So again, I want to thank all of you for putting this on—this is amazing, and I’m so glad to have been a part of it.”

Dr. Reggie Gaudino, CRI’s director, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a groundbreaking initiative, emphasizing the potential of cannabis research to reduce stigma and drive innovation. He acknowledged the significant challenges ahead but framed them as opportunities for growth and collaboration.

State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado highlighted the importance of normalizing discussions about cannabis and encouraged attendees to spread awareness about CRI’s mission. She noted that the work of the Institute has the potential to transform public perceptions and foster equitable policies, particularly through its focus on engaging marginalized communities.

Dr. Donell Barnett of the Illinois Department of Human Services reiterated the importance of equity, stressing CRI’s commitment to involving underserved communities in the research process. He praised the intentionality behind the Institute’s mission, ensuring that its work reflects the voices and needs of those most affected by cannabis policies.

The event closed on a hopeful note, with panelists and speakers expressing optimism about the future of cannabis research in Illinois. They called for patience and precision as CRI navigates the complexities of the industry, with a shared belief that its work will serve as a national model for research, equity, and innovation. This collaborative and forward-thinking approach sets a strong foundation for CRI’s role in shaping the future of cannabis policy and science.

Media Coverage

• Gov. Pritzker celebrates launch of new Cannabis Research Institute
• IL launches multi-million-dollar Cannabis Research Institute
• Gov. Pritzker celebrates launch of new Cannabis Research Institute
• DPI hosts Cannabis Research Institute livestreamed riverside chat

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