For more than five years, Illinois News Joint created its A Friend Indeed program. We started this program before the 2018 Farm Bill and plan to continue it after the new hemp ban takes place on Nov. 12, 2026.

The FY2026 Agricultural Act includes the banning of cannabis seeds and will prohibit the sale, shipment, and cultivation of high-THC cannabis genetics that have previously been traded under the 2018 Farm Bill’s exemption for hemp. When the new law takes effect, viable seeds from a cannabis plant exceeding a total concentration of 0.3% on a dry-weight basis will be part of that ban. This would essentially force Illinois medical patients to break the law.

The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act states that “Adult registered qualifying patients may purchase cannabis seeds from a dispensary for the purpose of home cultivation. Seeds may not be given or sold to any other person.” The problem is that Illinois dispensaries do not sell seeds. Patients have a better chance of finding a seed in the flower than purchasing seeds at a dispensary.

With the help of breeders and seed banks, we have provided more than three dozen Veterans with nutrients, grow materials, and hundreds of seeds to assist Veterans in growing their own medicine. We have heard and seen how these contributions have helped Veterans’ health and happiness. So we will continue to help Veterans, patients battling cancer, and anyone in desperate need with personalized equipment, genetics, and other resources to legally grow their own medicine at home. Along with the genetics, we have partnered with seed banks/breeders and grow shops to help with free/discounted equipment, grow mentoring, free grow classes, and other resources designed for specific individual needs.

We thank everyone who have sponsored this program. Veterans interested in participating or breeders interested in contributing, please contact Jason Brown at editor@illinoisnewsjoint.com. Illinois News Joint also can be found on Instagram @ilnewsjoint and @newsjointevent, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and you sign up for Illinois News Joint newsletter here.

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