Citing public safety, Rolling Meadows officials banned the retail sale of hemp-derived THC, kratom and tianeptine products within city limits and urged neighboring towns and state legislators to take similar action.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved the products for use, and city officials say they exist in a legal gray area with unclear rules that make enforcement difficult.
“The evidence is clear that these substances can cause serious side effects, and there is inadequate information to conclude their usefulness as a treatment for any illness or condition,” Mayor Lara Sanoica said. “As a (city) council, we want to err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of our residents.”
The ban, approved via unanimous vote of the council Tuesday night, takes effect Feb. 1, 2025 to give stores time to sell their existing stock or transfer inventory out of town.
All 20 establishments licensed to sell tobacco in Rolling Meadows, including grocery stores and gas stations, will receive formal notice from the city. But the new rules primarily would affect six specialty smoke shops in town.
“This will effectively shut me down, and it’s just going to drive people 30 seconds down the street,” said Michael Tourjman, owner of 24/7 Pantry Smoke Shop at 4025 Algonquin Road.
Since there’s no state or federal ban on the products, Tourjman said consumers will be able to get the products in neighboring towns or online. He said he only sells products that are packaged, sealed and lab tested, and he’s complied with tighter city business licensing rules that require him to be fingerprinted and submit to a background check.
“I’ve put my blood, sweat and tears into building my business,” said Tourjman, who purchased and remodeled the store in 2018.
Others who came to the council meeting spoke to the benefits of using kratom for dealing with severe chronic pain and managing addiction to other drugs.
But Sanoica and Alderwoman Jenifer Vinezeano, who is a nurse, said THC products now commonly used for medicinal purposes are available and regulated through state-certified marijuana dispensaries including Nature’s Care on Rohlwing Road. The ban enacted this week won’t apply to that business.
“By banning the sale of THC-derived products in other venues, the city will continue its proactive control of cannabis distribution,” Sanoica said.
Under the ordinance, violations are punishable by a fine of between $50 and $1,000 per instance, and can result in the suspension or revocation of a business’ license to operate.
Citing public safety, Rolling Meadows officials banned the retail sale of hemp-derived THC, kratom and tianeptine products within city limits and urged neighboring towns and state legislators to take … Read More