Category: Hemp
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Federal Hemp Deadline Extension Heads to President Trump; How Could It Impact Illinois?
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.…
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New Illinois Rules Would Expand Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation to All Licensed Growers
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is proposing new rules that would allow all licensed cultivation centers and craft growers to cultivate cannabis outdoors, expanding a practice that was previously exclusively available to a small number of operators. The proposal was highlighted today by Illinois News Joint, which pointed to the Aug. 14 edition of…
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Gov. Pritzker highlights SB3222 during ceremonial bill signing in Chicago
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday ceremonially signed Senate Bill 3222 during an event at SWAY Cannabis Dispensary in Chicago, where administration officials and lawmakers highlighted the measure’s changes to Illinois cannabis and hemp law. The Cole Memo live-streamed the entire ceremony and press conference. Readers can watch the full event here: https://youtube.com/live/-m2BZXC2ohU?feature=share According to…
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Illinois Law Allows Medical Cannabis Patients to Purchase Cannabis Seeds. One Question About Their Availability Remains Unanswered.
I discussed this article on my podcast. You can view the episode here. Illinois law has allowed qualifying medical cannabis patients to cultivate up to five cannabis plants since the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA) took effect in 2020. The CRTA also authorizes registered qualifying patients to purchase cannabis seeds from licensed dispensaries for…
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State Reports Show Cannabis Arrests Continue Six Years After Legalization in Illinois
Cannabis Control Act arrests increased in Illinois in 2024, marking the first year-over-year increase since cannabis possession was decriminalized in 2016, according to newly released state data. A separate analysis released by the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) found Illinois had the highest cannabis arrest rate per capita among states that have legalized adult-use cannabis. Together,…
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Illinois Cannabis and Hemp Omnibus Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk
Update 6/12/2026: This legislation has been signed into law. Read more here. A sweeping cannabis and hemp omnibus bill is now headed to Governor J.B. Pritzker after receiving final approval from the Illinois General Assembly. The legislation passed the Illinois House by a vote of 77-31 and later cleared the Senate 47-10. The lengthy measure…
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Outdoor Cannabis Is Quietly Being Allowed in Illinois
As first reported by The Cole Memo, two Illinois cannabis cultivators, Nature’s Grace and Wellness (NGW) and Green Thumb Industries (GTI), found themselves in years-long litigation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) after the state attempted to walk back permits for their outdoor screenhouses. Both companies said the facilities were necessary to meet rising…
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From Testing Labs to Patient Portals: Key Takeaways from Illinois’ Medical Cannabis Advisory Board Meeting
Yesterday I attended a meeting with the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, a body that makes recommendations to the Illinois Department of Public Health on additions to the list of qualifying conditions for the medical cannabis program. At this meeting, representatives from several cannabis-related state agencies gave presentations about their roles, work, and what patients &…
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Illinois Governor Pritzker Renews Push for Hemp Regulation, Cites Child Safety Concerns
Earlier this week, the ATF, working with the U.S. Marshals Service, conducted raids across Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, and North Carolina. In April, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the FDA’s ban on the sale of unauthorized flavored vapes, citing concerns they could encourage youth tobacco use. By August, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed…
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Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation in Illinois: Tribune Highlights Story First Reported by The Cole Memo
The Chicago Tribune recently covered the ongoing debate over outdoor cannabis cultivation in Illinois, a story first reported here at The Cole Memo. Their coverage highlights lawsuits and regulatory battles involving companies like Curaleaf, GTI, and Nature’s Grace, who are seeking permission to grow outdoors using hoop houses and screen houses. While state agriculture regulators…
