Illinois governor signs bill to legalize industrial hemp

August 27, 2018

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Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill legalizing industrial hemp on Saturday, making Illinois one of many states in the nation to allow for the growth of non-psychoactive cannabis.

“Legalizing the farming of industrial hemp just makes good sense,” Rauner said. “Roughly 38 states — including our neighbors in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee — have allowed or are considering allowing cultivation of this crop for commercial, research or pilot programs. Our farmers should have this option as well.”

The bill, titled the Industrial Hemp act, goes into effect immediately. It allows for hemp cultivation for paper, fabric, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, and health food. Illinois’ Department of Agriculture will give out licenses to farmers who want to grow the crop. THC-level resting rules for the crops have not been established yet, and are set to be worked out by state regulators.
The act was passed by the Illinois House of Representatives by a 106-3 vote, with the Senate passing it unanimously. Hemp advocates estimate the legalization of the crop will create hundreds of new jobs and bring in about $100 million ins state revenue.

“The production of industrial hemp has broad support among our farmers and rural families, as they know this will add another potentially significant crop that can be grown in our state,” Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, a sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. “In the early 20th century, Illinois was a national leader in hemp production and I look forward to us returning to that position.”