SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Aug 27, 2018) – On Sunday, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill legalizing industrial hemp in the state and taking a first step toward nullifying federal prohibition of the plant in effect.

Sen. Tori Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) sponsored Senate Bill 2298 (SB2298). The legislation legalizes industrial hemp in Illinois by removing it from the state’s list of controlled substances and implementing a licensing program for the cultivation of the plant.

It appears the state intends to create a federally compliant “research only” licensing program. A provision in the bill requires applicants to a “provide a description of one or more research purposes planned for the cultivation of industrial hemp which may include the study of the growth, cultivation, or marketing of industrial hemp.”

But the language of the new law specifically leaves the door open for the commercial sale of hemp and hemp products.

“The research purpose requirement shall not be construed to limit the commercial sale of industrial hemp.”

The House passed SB2298 by a 106-3 vote. The Senate approved the measure 50-0. After the Senate concurred with technical House amendments, the bill went to Gov. Rauner’s desk. With his signature, the law went into immediate effect.

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