BREAKING: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has just vetoed a controversial ordinance banning intoxicating hemp products, a decision that comes after significant pushback from small business owners. The veto was issued on Friday, just a day after a rally where business owners warned that the proposed ban would jeopardize jobs and disproportionately harm minority-owned establishments.
This urgent move reflects the mayor’s commitment to supporting local businesses as they navigate a complex regulatory landscape. Johnson stated, “This ordinance is premature,” emphasizing the need for the city to align its regulations with forthcoming federal guidelines.
The ordinance, initially set to take effect on April 1, would have severely restricted the sale of hemp products, limiting sales to licensed cannabis dispensaries and select liquor-licensed establishments. Such restrictions could have forced many small hemp retailers, including popular spots like Chi’Tiva Lounge in the South Loop, to close their doors.
During the rally, Chi’Tiva owner Charles Wu expressed the dire consequences of the ban: “Our entire business would shut down. Employees would be laid off. I just can’t walk away from leases.” The anxiety surrounding the ordinance has left many business owners fearing for their livelihoods.
Johnson’s veto comes with a call for collaboration: “We must have strict age verification, responsible labeling, and clear enforcement standards,” he stated. He acknowledged the concerns around the marketing of intoxicating hemp products, especially those appealing to children, but insists that the city’s approach should not dismantle businesses that are integral to their communities.
“Many of these businesses are Black- and brown-owned… We cannot claim to support equitable economic development while advancing policies that concentrate the market in the hands of a few large entities,” Johnson added.
The Hemp Coalition rallied in support of the veto, arguing that an outright ban would lead to job losses and diminish tax revenue in the city. Community leaders and organizations like the ACLU of Illinois have also highlighted the failures of past drug policies, advocating for thoughtful regulation rather than prohibition.
Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez supported the veto, stating, “Time after time, minority business owners get left behind; they are not allowed a fair shot.” The mayor’s decision is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring that small businesses have a seat at the table in discussions about regulation.
As the city awaits further guidance from federal authorities, Johnson’s administration is calling on the City Council to work with public health experts and community stakeholders to craft a balanced legislative framework. This collaborative approach aims to protect consumers while safeguarding the interests of small businesses.
This development is critical for Chicago’s hemp industry and could set a precedent for how cities address the regulation of emerging markets. Business owners and advocates are now looking to the future, hopeful that a more equitable solution can be reached.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and how it may impact the landscape of hemp products in Chicago.
