On April 14, 2026, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) approved the Department of Agriculture’s Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act rule changes. Rule changes and updates pertain to reduced fees, hemp inputs, camera requirements, seed to sale requirements, label requirements, product registrations, and transfer sites. See below for more details.

The Administrative Code published on the Division of Cannabis Regulation and Illinois General Assembly websites will be updated. Any paper or PDF copies of the administrative code should be replaced. The following Fee Changes take effect immediately:

See image below for fee types, previous fees, and new fees:

For Fee questions, contact AGR.AdultUse@illinois.gov.

Hemp Inputs:

The rule formally adopts the long-standing policy allowing for the usage of certain Hemp inputs in cannabis products but imposes some additional guardrails.

1) Only CBD, CBG, THCV, and CBN in isolate form may be brought into a licensed facility and can only be used in infused products (edibles, beverages, topicals, and tinctures).

2) Hemp Inputs must be entered and tracked in Metrc. In order to enter Hemp inputs sourced from a non-CRTA Licensee, you must request an external transfer window be opened in Metrc.

3) Inputs must be stored and tracked in batches not to exceed 1 kilogram. Each batch must be tested by a cannabis testing facility registered by the Department prior to usage. Effective immediately, no Hemp material may be received by a facility unless it is in compliance with the provisions outlined above, which reflect the new Section 1300.40(c). Additionally, effective immediately, all Hemp material currently in a facility must be entered into Metrc. Hemp inputs not in compliance with the provisions of Section 1300.40(c) can be destroyed, removed from the facility, or, in certain instances, may be used prior to July 1, 2026. Please reach out to the Department regarding the usage of non- compliant Hemp inputs at AGR.CannabisInspections@illinois.gov

Entering Hemp in Metrc:

The process for inputting Hemp inputs in Metrc mirrors the established workflow for obtaining and tracking new genetics. Please follow the steps below to initiate and complete the request:

1. Create the Item in Metrc: Before the external transfer window can be opened, create the item under the “Admin” menu to ensure it is available for selection. Note: This item must be categorized as “Hemp Concentrate (Bulk).”
2. Contact Metrc Support: Reach out to Metrc Support to request an external transfer window. Metrc will provide a case number.
3. Email Compliance: Email the Metrc case number to AGR.s2scompliance@illinois.gov. To prevent delays in processing, the email must include:

• The Metrc case number
• The specific input type
• The quantities intended for addition

4. Review and Approval: The Department will review the request upon submission and will either follow up with clarifying questions or send approval directly to Metrc to proceed.
5. Metrc Window: Following approval, Metrc will enable the external transfer window, notify the designated contact, and provide further instructions on how to enter inputs into the system. For general Hemp Input questions, contact AGR.CannabisInspections@illinois.gov. For questions about adding Hemp Inputs in Metrc, contact AGR.s2scompliance@illinois.gov.

Camera Requirements:

Effective immediately, security camera footage can be retained for a minimum of 90 days and can be stored either at the facility or via cloud storage. The previous requirement was that footage be stored for 90 days on site, and 90 days off site, for a total of 180 days. The rule update also sets parameters for the usage of motion-activated cameras in certain areas of the facility, as specified in Section 1300.185, 385, 485 of the rule. The usage of motion-activated cameras requires a Facility Security Plan update, which must be approved via an Application for Alteration.

Modifications and Alterations:

In addition to the Fee Changes, the rule update includes revisions to the definitions of “Modification” and “Alteration.” The revised definitions do not reflect a substantive shift from the prior definitions and are primarily intended to provide clarity. The Department is working on more comprehensive guidance regarding the Modification and Alteration process to provide even greater clarity. For Modification and Alteration questions, contact AGR.CannabisMod@illinois.gov.

Seed to Sale Requirements:

The rule update includes a new Subpart K that outlines requirements for the usage of the State’s “Cannabis Plant Monitoring System” (the term the CRTA uses for the seed to sale system). The rules reflect proper usage of the system and should not cause significant changes to current operations. The most notable change includes an increase in the plant height requirement in which a plant tag must be applied to a cannabis plant from 6 inches to 16 inches. Licensees should review Subpart K to ensure current processes align with the rule and the Department will work with Licensees over the coming months to make any necessary changes to seed to sale processes. For Seed to Sale requirements questions, contact AGR.s2scompliance@illinois.gov.

Label Requirements:

The rule includes a new requirement that product labels list the “Total THC” of the product. Total THC is defined as the cannabinoid content determined by the calculation of THC + (THCa x 0.877) which should be calculated by the cannabis testing facility on the product’s “Certificate of Analysis” (COA). In addition to the four cannabinoids that are always required to be listed on a product label (THC, THCA, CBD, and CBDA) the rule requires listing all cannabinoids contained in the product as reflected on the product’s COA at a concentration over 0.3% by weight or over 0.4 mg. Additionally, the rule requires an indication that a product contains Hemp. This requirement can be satisfied by listing Hemp in the ingredient list (i.e. Hemp-derived CBD isolate) or a separate statement (e.g. “This product contains Hemp”). The Department will give Licensees until November 1, 2026 to implement these label changes. Any changes or additions to the product’s list of ingredients requires an updated Product Registration. For Product Label requirements questions, contact AGR.CannabisProdRegs@illinois.gov.

Product Registrations:

The rule contains a provision that reflects the current Department policy that separate/distinct/individual products require separate/distinct/individual Product Registrations, with the exception of variations in package sizes. This includes separate registrations for each strain, flavor, or scent, since those would be considered separate products. Additionally, the rule clarifies existing policy that information contained in a Product Registration reflects “the product offered for sale,” at all times, including images and ingredients. Updates to Product Registrations that do not change the name of product are free of charge. See the Department’s website for Product Registration FAQs . For Product Registration questions, contact AGR.CannabisProdRegs@illinois.gov.

Transfer Sites:

The rule contains requirements for Transporter “Transfer Sites.” Transfer Sites are facilities operated by Transporters, where transporters can transfer cannabis and cannabis products between vehicles, and/or swap drivers. Product may not be stored overnight at a transfer site or without a vehicle present. The rule contains facility requirements, such as camera coverage, for Transfer Sites. Transfer Sites must be approved via an Application for Modification. For Transfer Site questions, contact AGR.CannabisTransporting@illinois.gov.

For general questions related to this Bulletin, please contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Cannabis Regulation at AGR.AdultUse@illinois.gov.

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