(The Center Square) – The debate over hemp-infused products is far from over at the Illinois Capitol.
Lawmakers discussed proposed regulation of hemp-derived intoxicating beverages in a state Senate Liquor Committee hearing Tuesday afternoon.
State Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, filed Senate Bill 1766, which would impose taxes on hemp manufacturers and distributors. It would also force hemp businesses to be regulated by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
“We are open to making modifications to the bill, but I think it’s time that this form of beverage be entered into the regulatory space. We think this is a good way to do it,” Cunningham said.
The measure “sets forth a tax upon the privilege of engaging in business as a hemp beverage manufacturer or as a hemp beverage importing distributor” and adds hemp beverages and hemp beverage manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers to provisions concerning the taxation of alcoholic liquor.
SB 1766 would create the Hemp Beverage Commission as part of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. The hemp commission would establish hemp business registration requirements and fees, impose limits on THC concentrations in hemp beverages and prohibit happy hours in connection with hemp drinks.
Justin Ward of the Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association operates a hemp farm in Rushville. Ward is opposed to the bill and said it would prevent hemp businesses from selling directly to consumers.
“The system mirrors that of alcohol and would force small hemp businesses to rely on distributors, effectively limiting their market access,” Ward said.
Ward said he was also concerned that the bill covered beverages and not other hemp products.
Chris Coleman of the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois spoke in support of SB 1766 and said it would impose strict labeling requirements on hemp beverages.
Coleman also addressed lawmakers’ concerns that highly-caffeinated beverages are not part of the bill.
“We absolutely are aware and concerned about that same notion that you are as far as the amount of caffeine,” Coleman said. “You may recall from a number of years ago the Four Loko product that was prohibited because of the caffeine and the alcohol. We don’t want another example of that.”
