Chicago’s hemp industry received a temporary reprieve Friday after Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed a City Council measure that would have banned most intoxicating hemp products across the city.
The proposed ordinance, which passed the council 32–16 last month, sought to prohibit the sale of hemp-derived edibles, vapes and smokable flower. Many small businesses have relied on those products as a workaround to Illinois’ tightly limited recreational cannabis licensing structure. The measure notably included an exception for hemp-derived THC beverages, a carveout backed by segments of the hospitality industry.
Johnson issued the veto on the final day available to him, marking only the second time he has exercised that authority during his term. His first veto came last year when he rejected a proposal that would have allowed the Chicago Police Department to implement snap curfews. That move was the first mayoral veto in Chicago since 2006.
In his veto letter, Johnson argued that imposing a citywide ban would be premature, particularly with a federal prohibition on certain intoxicating hemp products already approved in November and scheduled to take effect later this year. That federal ban could still face delays or be reshaped by state or local legislation.
Johnson emphasized that any local regulatory framework should balance public health protections, especially for young people, with support for small businesses and equitable enforcement capacity.
The veto keeps open the possibility that Chicago could pursue regulation instead of prohibition. Hemp business owners have long advocated for age restrictions, product safety standards and taxation rather than an outright ban. Industry groups have formed in recent years to push for clearer rules, arguing that structured oversight would protect consumers without forcing storefront closures.
Ald. Marty Quinn of the 13th Ward has led the push for the ban. A vocal critic of intoxicating hemp products, Quinn previously moved to prohibit such items within his own ward before advancing the proposal citywide. He has argued that the industry operates in a legal gray area created by the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized hemp production but allowed for the extraction and concentration of THC from hemp plants.
Following the veto, Quinn criticized the mayor’s decision and maintained that intoxicating hemp products pose risks, particularly when packaging resembles popular candies. Industry operators have disputed those claims. Quinn also acknowledged that he currently lacks the 34 votes required to override the veto, a two-thirds majority of the City Council.
Hemp business owners welcomed the mayor’s action, viewing it as support for small businesses and a growing sector of Chicago’s economy. Industry leaders have signaled a willingness to work with city officials on regulations that would include age restrictions and consumer protections.
In the weeks leading up to the veto deadline, shop owners organized letter-writing campaigns and press conferences in an effort to influence the mayor’s decision. One such event was held at Chi’Tiva, a South Loop establishment that markets itself as a THC lounge dispensary experience.
Jeremy Dedic, owner of Cubbington’s Cabinet in North Center, had previously said the ordinance would eliminate most of his product offerings and potentially leave his storefront vacant. He argued that prohibition-style policies would not solve the issue and called for thoughtful regulation focused on consumer health and child safety.
Opposition to the ban also came from within the City Council. Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th Ward voted against the measure, arguing it would disproportionately impact small retailers while larger venues and corporations would continue to benefit. Shortly after the ordinance passed with its carveout for THC beverages, the United Center announced plans to sell hemp-derived THC drinks at concerts, fueling criticism that major operators would remain largely unaffected.
For now, Chicago’s hemp retailers can continue operating. However, with the possibility of a council override and looming federal changes, the long-term future of intoxicating hemp products in the city remains uncertain.
Stay in the loop with all things Illinois Cannabis by joining the Couch Lock’d Newsletter here!
Follow our NEW Instagram here!
Become a Couch Lock’d Member.
Want to meet more people in the community and see what everyone’s smoking on? Join our Telegram channel here.
Find our latest reviews here.
Hosting an event & need a consumption bar? Hit us up here.
Save money with our affiliate links here.
Get your Illinois Medical Card for $75 now with our link here or code “CouchLockd”!