Hemp Loophole Sparks Controversy in Springfield as Smoke Shop Owners Stand Firm

Springfield’s smoke shop owners are gearing up for a fight as local regulations threaten their businesses amid ongoing political debates

Hemp Loophole Sparks Controversy in Springfield as Smoke Shop Owners Stand Firm
Hemp Loophole Sparks Controversy in Springfield as Smoke Shop Owners Stand Firm

Springfield: Tom Race used to swing a wrecking ball but now runs Mary Jane’s Smoke Shop. He’s all about helping customers find what they need, whether it’s a bong or some CBD cream. But now, he’s caught in a political mess. Lawmakers are pushing for new rules that could shut down his shop and others like it.

The issue? A loophole in federal law lets shops sell hemp products with THC, which has led to a boom in businesses like Race’s. But as talks in Springfield stall, Alderman Marty Quinn is pushing a local law to ban these products in certain areas, which could force Race to close his two shops near Midway Airport.

Race feels targeted and is ready to fight back. He’s invested a lot in his business and believes there should be fair regulations, not a complete shutdown. The unregulated hemp products are causing confusion among customers and hurting licensed dispensaries that follow strict rules.

A state bill to ban these hemp products failed recently, as some lawmakers wanted to give small businesses a chance to adapt. Race argues that getting a dispensary license is tough, and he just wants to provide affordable options for his community.

Quinn’s ordinance has support from some city officials who are worried about kids getting sick from hemp products that look like candy. They’ve heard stories of children ending up in the hospital after consuming these items. Quinn has even gathered support from local school principals to back his ban.

But Race insists he’s not a bad actor. His shop has scannable QR codes for lab test results, and he checks IDs at the door. He’s even decorated the shop with fun murals, but he’s careful about what he sells.

The hemp industry has exploded due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, which aimed to promote industrial hemp. This has led to a surge in products with high THC levels, raising safety concerns. A recent study found that many hemp edibles had inaccurate THC dosages, leading to health risks.

Despite the chaos, Race and other small business owners are trying to navigate the tricky landscape. They want to be part of the conversation about regulations, but they also want to protect their livelihoods. The city is looking for new tax revenue, and some officials believe regulating hemp could bring in millions.

As the debate continues, Race is hopeful. He believes there’s a way for everyone to win if they can find common ground. He’s ready to show Quinn what his shop is all about and prove that he’s doing things the right way. After all, in Chicago, people always find a way to make things work.

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