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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE TO FILE 24-5224 - Issued on: 10/15/2024 (Criminal Justice Committee 5/17/2024)
Sponsored by: BILL LOWRY, Cook County Board of Commissioners
CALLING FOR THE REGULATION OF ILLICIT HEMP AND THC PRODUCTS IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant that have different effects; and
WHEREAS, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most common cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant; and
WHEREAS, delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that produces psychoactive effects, and
WHEREAS, many delta-8 THC products available on the market today are not regulated and can pose a serious risk to consumers, and
WHEREAS, synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made substances that are chemically similar to chemicals found in the cannabis plant, though they often produce very different and intoxicating effects, and
WHEREAS, most synthetic cannabinoids are illicitly manufactured and sold, and
WHEREAS, hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids are cannabinoids that are derived from hemp plants and are capable of producing psychoactive effects when consumed, and
WHEREAS, hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids include, but are not limited to, delta-8- tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), and other similar compounds that can alter mental state or perception, and
WHEREAS, multiple cases of children in the City of Chicago and Cook County accessing and ingesting unregulated synthetic THC and hemp-derived intoxicating products resulted in harmful effects requiring immediate medical attention and hospitalization; and
WHEREAS, the availability and consumption of such unregulated products pose a serious risk to the health and safety of children in our community, warranting urgent action to address and prevent further incidents of this nature; and
WHEREAS, unregulated synthetic THC and hemp-derived intoxicating products, often sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and unlicensed retailers, are a risk to broader public health; and
WHEREAS, it is crucial to protect consumers from potentially harmful substances and ensure the quality and safety of cannabis products available in our community; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has the authority to regulate the production, distribution, and sale of synthetic THC and hemp-derived intoxicating products within its jurisdiction; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Cook County Board of Commissioners calls upon the State of Illinois to strictly regulate synthetic THC and hemp-derived intoxicating products sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and unlicensed retailers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Cook County Board of Commissioners call upon the State of Illinois to implement measures to enforce compliance with licensing and testing requirements for all synthetic THC and hemp-derived intoxicating products to protect the health and well-being of our residents; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Cook County Board of Commissioners call upon the State of Illinois to consider penalties for those found in violation of regulations regarding the sale of unregulated synthetic THC and hemp-derived intoxicating products to deter illicit activities and safeguard public health; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Governor of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and other relevant state agencies to urge prompt action on this matter.end