Illinois

S 3222 (Oppose- Signed into Law)
Illinois lawmakers officially passed SB 3222 as the final legislative vehicle for hemp restrictions. Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 3222 into law on June 12, 2026. This legislation, formerly tracked as HB 5784 / SB 20, creates the Illinois Hemp Act and officially repeals the existing Industrial Hemp Act on November 12, 2026.

The new law imposes a strict 0.4 milligram per container cap on total THC and other cannabinoids deemed to have similar effects to THC. It is critical to understand that this threshold is effectively ban language that would eliminate approximately 95% of products currently in the hemp marketplace. Products exceeding that threshold would no longer qualify as lawful hemp and instead could only be sold through licensed cannabis dispensaries under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.

The legislation also excludes many existing hemp-derived cannabinoid products from the legal definition of hemp, creates extensive registration and compliance requirements for retailers and manufacturers, and establishes broad enforcement authority over the marketplace. The law immediately bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products to anyone under 21, while the full regulatory framework takes effect November 12, 2026, aligning with the effective date of the corresponding federal ban.

Notably, the legislative process drew significant industry opposition, with many businesses warning of economic harm. However, the bill passed both chambers and was signed without amendment to the THC threshold. The law does create a transition path for hemp businesses to enter the licensed cannabis market, with at least 45 infuser licenses reserved for social equity applicants beginning in January 2027.