The Cole Memo

Congress approved legislation Tuesday that would delay upcoming changes to the federal definition of hemp until December 11, 2026. The legislation now heads to President Donald Trump.

Since the federal legislation passed, several people have reached out to me asking what the potential impact could be in Illinois if President Trump signs it into law. Illinois lawmakers discussed what might happen if federal hemp law changed before, on, or after the state’s November 13 effective date.

The following exchange took place between State Rep. Kevin Olickal and State Rep. Will Guzzardi during debate on the Illinois Hemp Act:

Olickal: “What happens to the Illinois Hemp Act if there is no change in existing federal hemp statute before November 13, 2026?”

Guzzardi: “If there’s no change in existing federal hemp statute, the Illinois Hemp Act will take effect on November 13th as exactly as written in this bill.”

Olickal: “What happens to the Illinois Hemp Act if a change in federal hemp statute takes effect exactly on November 13, 2026?”

Guzzardi: “In that case too, the Illinois Hemp Act will take effect on November 13th, 2026 as the law of Illinois exactly as written in this bill.”

Olickal: “What happens to the Illinois Hemp Act if a change in federal hemp statute takes effect after November 13, 2026?”

Guzzardi: “In that case, the Illinois Hemp Act will remain in effect as the law in Illinois exactly as written in this bill.”

Olickal: “What happens to the Illinois Hemp Act if a change in federal hemp statute takes effect before November 13, 2026?”

Guzzardi: “If federal statute changes before November 13, 2026, should the Illinois Hemp Act have an actual conflict with federal statute, the federal statute will take precedence. To the extent state and federal hemp statutes can be read together, Illinois businesses will need to comply with both statutes.”

Olickal: “Does the definition of hemp under Illinois Hemp Act match the federal statutory definition of hemp?”

Guzzardi: “Yes. This is the whole point of what we’re trying to do here. The new Illinois definition of hemp goes into effect on November 12th, the same date that the new federal definition of hemp goes into effect.”

Olickal: “Is the intent of this bill to make sure that the Illinois Hemp Act conforms to the changes in the federal hemp statute to the definition of hemp that will go into effect on November 12th, 2026?”

Guzzardi: “Yes. The purpose is to match what is now scheduled to go into effect federally on November 12th.”

Comment below with your thoughts and consider supporting my work!

You can support The Cole Memo with a one-time, monthly, or yearly contribution.

Rep. La Shawn Ford on What's Next for Illinois Cannabis Legalization | E327 – The Cole Memo

Illinois State Representative and Democratic congressional nominee La Shawn Ford returns to The Cole Memo to discuss the future of cannabis policy in Illinois. Following the passage of major cannabis reforms earlier this year, Ford shares his thoughts on the legislation, his disappointment with the state's approach to hemp, and what additional reforms lawmakers may consider. The conversation also explores Ford's proposal to use cannabis tax revenue to support struggling families, industry opposition to expanding home grow rights to all adults, and concerns about consolidation in Illinois' cannabis market. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/16/e327/

1. Rep. La Shawn Ford on What's Next for Illinois Cannabis Legalization | E327 35:03
2. Illinois Cannabis Sales Rebound, DEA Rescheduling Update & Governor's Forum | E326 02:04:35
3. Massive Outdoor Home Grow, Patient Portal, & Cannabis Event This Week | E325 54:40
4. The Future of Illinois Cannabis: A Roundtable With Aaron Del Mar | E324 01:03:20
5. Should Cannabis Tax Dollars Pay for License Plate Readers? | E323 01:01:59