Lake County Gazette

Mayor Ann B. Taylor of Waukegan has proposed a ban on the sale of unregulated hemp, THC, and Kratom products by businesses licensed to sell tobacco products. The proposal was set to be discussed by the Waukegan City Council Special Committee of the Whole on Monday.

According to the Special Committee of the Whole meeting agenda for Dec. 11, businesses selling tobacco products are required to obtain a separate business license from the city. These businesses are prohibited from selling tobacco products to individuals under 21 years old, including electronic cigarettes and alternative nicotine products. They are also barred from selling "loosies" or tobacco without proper tax stamps.

The same document reveals that unregulated hemp and THC products such as Delta 8 THC, Delta 10 THC, and THC-0 are chemically synthesized from industrial hemp. These substances reportedly have similar and potentially more intense effects compared to cannabis. Due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill and Cannabis Regulation Tax Act, these substances are not considered controlled substances; they remain unregulated and untested. There is no age limit on sales of these items, which also evade state cannabis taxes.

Kratom is derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, according to the same meeting agenda. It possesses both sedative and stimulant effects but cannot be legally marketed as a food additive, drug, or dietary supplement. However, it is not classified as a controlled substance under state law, which prohibits its sale to individuals under 18 years old.

The proposed amendments by Taylor would not extend to non-tobacco retailers despite some communities choosing to expand this ban according to the Special Committee of the Whole meeting agenda for Dec. 11.