After another tense, last-minute effort to pass the anti-competitive and shortsighted HB4293 — this time in backroom meetings at the governor's mansion during the lame duck session — Illinois hemp farmers, business owners, and advocates are celebrating. HB4293 has failed.
HB4293 was a bill that played economic favorites and criminalized legitimate businesses operating in the state for the last 6 years. It would have been awful for most but really good for some.Â
"There’s a powerful lobby that has been working against this bill for quite some time. This was not an easy bill. If it had been, it would have passed last May, when it passed the Senate, they would have passed it in the House. They worked hard in the House to keep it from getting a vote in May and in December" - Governor JB PritzkerÂ
The Illinois Hemp Growers Association (IHGA) worked hard during our April, May, December, and January Lobby Days (and over the summer in our local districts) to make sure our Representatives in the House knew us—our stories, farms, and businesses—and understood that we are the grassroots effort needed to secure a path forward. A path to a sustainable and truly equitable hemp industry in Illinois.Â
We believe that the people need a bill that addresses public safety concerns while providing everyone with economic opportunity and protecting those opportunities for posterity.Â
We believe that HB0064, now introduced in the 104th General Assembly, is the standalone bill needed to do what's right for our businesses and families. It was created by and for hemp stakeholders, and was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chair Sonya Harper.
HB0064 addresses public safety concerns through age gating, testing, and labeling standards while opening up the industry's licensing to anyone with a dream and a few dollars. HB0064 also protects that dream by ensuring our Food, Drug, and Cosmetic law doesn't treat hemp like a controlled substance.
To every IHGA member and advocate who called, wrote, visited local offices, lobbied at the Capitol with us, raised their voice at our hemp rally, and helped us introduce much needed stakeholder legislation last year: thank you.Â
Grassroots advocacy and citizen lobbying are the lifeblood of meaningful reform, proving that ordinary people united by a shared vision can create extraordinary change. By amplifying our collective voice, we cut through the influence of powerful special interests and bring fairness and opportunity to the forefront.
Your efforts are the reason we will continue to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
While we should celebrate this fleeting victory, we know there’s much work to be done in the months ahead and are already back at working getting ready for the next wave of action.Â
Our next membership meeting will be held virtually on Friday, January 24th, at 7PM and is FREE for dues-paying members in good standing. Membership plans start at $3/month.
This meeting is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay informed and involved in shaping the future of the Illinois hemp industry.Â
Some of the things we have in the works for that meeting include:Â
A 2024 State and Federal OverviewÂ
Introduction of new IHGA Advocacy App
Announcement of new IHGA Advocacy Webinar
Announcement of new IHGA District Champions Campaign
If you value IHGA’s work keeping the hemp community informed and advocating for fair, accessible regulations, please consider becoming an IHGA Monthly Subscriber, Sponsor, or becoming a subscriber on our Patreon.
Every dollar helps us expand our efforts, whether it’s producing these updates, organizing campaigns, or taking your concerns to the Capitol.Â
Your support isn’t just about funding—it’s about growing this community into something that drives real change.
Shout out IHGA Sponsors- THANK YOU for supporting the IL Hemp Community!