Haine Says New Hemp Restrictions Protect Children

EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine is urging retailers and families in Illinois to take note of a new state law that immediately bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products to people younger than 21.

The law, Senate Bill 3222, was recently signed in Illinois and applies to products such as Delta-8, THC-P, HHC and similar substances that had previously been sold outside the state’s regulated adult-use cannabis market. Haine’s office said the measure is intended to limit youth access to those products and increase oversight of how they are sold.

Beginning in November 2026, intoxicating hemp products also will be subject to additional regulations under Illinois’ Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, including child-resistant packaging requirements and restrictions on marketing that may appeal to children.

Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 3222 – landmark hemp legislation that strengthens social equity and medical access, reduces regulatory burdens, strengthens oversight, and improves public safety. SB 3222 is key to ensuring that the state’s cannabis sector remains safe for consumers and that Illinois continues to set a national example with its diversity and equity efforts in the cannabis industry.

The bill immediately bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products to people under the age of 21, which follows reports of minors ingesting misleading or poorly labelled products. In November 2026, intoxicating hemp products will be subject to regulations set forth in the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), including:

• Requiring child-proof packaging;
• Banning misleading marketing and packaging that rips off consumer brands to appeal to children; and
• Ensuring the existing cannabis regulatory framework applies to intoxicating hemp products.

“Instead of letting an ambiguous marketplace keep putting people at risk, Illinois is taking action to protect consumers of all ages, especially children, from misleading packaging and labeling,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This landmark legislation closes the intoxicating hemp loophole while bolstering equity and oversight and expanding medical access. Illinois is committed to cultivating a cannabis industry that benefits diverse businesses across the state and prioritizes accessibility, and I am proud to sign this measure into law.”

“Illinois has led the nation in building a cannabis industry that prioritizes both equity and public safety, and SB 3222 builds on that progress,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “By protecting young people from unregulated intoxicating hemp products and creating clear standards for the industry, we are ensuring consumers are safer while preserving opportunities for diverse businesses and communities across our state.”

The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office is encouraging retailers to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and comply with state law. Violations can result in fines, and noncompliance also could affect a retailer’s standing with local licensing authorities, including municipalities that issue liquor licenses.

Haine said suspected sales of intoxicating hemp products to minors can be reported to local police departments.

“Parents should be aware that these products can have significant effects and are not harmless,” Haine said. “Public safety is enhanced when products are accurately labeled, responsibly marketed, and kept out of the hands of children.”

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