On Feb. 18. Senate Bill 3377 (SB3377), a hemp-regulation bill introduced by Sen. Emil Jones, III, reached the Senate Cannabis Committee. On Feb. 25, two hemp-regulation bills, Senate Bill 3820 (SB3820) and Senate Bill 3919 (SB3919), that conflict with SB3377 reached the committee. SB3377 provisions would create a regulatory framework for hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, while SB3820 and SB3919 would conform and adopt rules consistent with the changes in federal law, which takes effect Nov. 12, 2026.

The differences are as follows.

SB3377:

1. Creates a corporate income tax deduction for hemp business establishments in an amount equal to 50% of the income generated by the sale of products made by businesses owned by minority and other specific priority-population-owned businesses.
2. Excludes hemp-cannabinoid products subject to tax under the Industrial Hemp Act from the definition of tobacco products.
3. Provides that hemp extract and hemp-cannabinoid products made in compliance with State law are considered fit for human consumption.
4. Authorizes liquor license holders to manufacture, distribute, and sell such products.
5. Establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including licensing, registration, packaging and labeling standards, age verification, laboratory testing, recordkeeping, enforcement, and penalties.
6. Creates the Hemp Social Equity Fund to support loans, grants, and technical assistance for social equity applicants.

SB3820 and SB3919, introduced by Kimberly A. Lightford, make changes to conform with federal law and adopt rules consistent with the changes in federal law with respect to hemp and industrial hemp reflected in the federal Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026. SB3919 amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act so that the definition of cannabis does not include hemp, industrial hemp, or Illinois hemp for human consumption as defined and authorized under the Industrial Hemp Act, but includes intoxicating hemp as defined under the Industrial Hemp Act.

SB3919 also revises definitions in the Act to conform to federal law and adds definitions of “Illinois hemp for human consumption,” “intoxicating hemp,” and “synthetic hemp product.” In addition, SB3919 directs the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules to conform to federal law and adopt rules regarding hemp products intended for human consumption that (1) require testing, (2) establish labeling requirements, (3) require child-resistant packaging, and (4) prohibit branding attractive to children.

Other provisions in SB3919:

1. Prohibits the sale, offer for sale, delivery, or furnishment of a hemp product intended for human consumption to a person who is under 21 years of age.
2. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, offer for sale, delivery, or furnishment of synthetic hemp products.
3. Provides for civil penalties for violations to be deposited into the Industrial Hemp Regulatory Fund.
4. Provides that the exception in the Cannabis Control Act for the Industrial Hemp Act does not apply to synthetic hemp products.

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