I am writing to express my strong opposition to the failed House Bill 4293 that Gov. JB Pritzker is attempting to force on lawmakers throughout the lame-duck session ending on Jan. 7.
I am the owner of Sunmed, 5313 Oak, in Quincy. My business has proudly served our community since 2020 by offering high-quality, hemp-derived wellness products that promote well-being while contributing to Illinois’ economy.
A large part of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was its championing of a first-of-its-kind state-ran social equity program. Illinois’ social equity policy in cannabis regulations was designed to rectify the injustices of past cannabis prohibition, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. However, the implementation has largely failed to meet its intended goals.
While the policy was meant to ensure that those from marginalized communities could partake in the burgeoning cannabis industry, the reality has been marred by bureaucratic red tape, limited access to capital and a system that inadvertently favors established players over new entrants from these communities. The application process for dispensary licenses, for instance, has been criticized for its complexity, making it difficult for people without significant resources or legal expertise to navigate successfully.
Financial barriers have played a significant role in undermining the effectiveness of these social equity initiatives. Start-up costs for marijuana businesses are prohibitively high, often requiring significant upfront capital that many potential social equity applicants simply do not have. Even with state assistance programs, the financial support is insufficient to level the playing field against well-funded entities already entrenched in the industry. Consequently, many licenses intended for social equity applicants have ended up in the hands of large, established companies through partnerships or buyouts, further entrenching the inequity the policy sought to dismantle.
The hemp industry offers a more accessible pathway for achieving true cannabis social equity in Illinois. Unlike its more regulated counterpart, the hemp sector requires less stringent licensing processes and involves lower operational costs, making it more accessible to people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Hemp cultivation and product development do not necessitate the high-security measures and extensive compliance requirements associated with marijuana, thus reducing barriers to entry. This democratization of opportunity allows for greater participation of marginalized groups, fostering a more inclusive market landscape.
The hemp industry’s versatility in applications — from textiles to wellness products — provides diverse business opportunities that can empower social equity applicants to innovate and thrive. By focusing on the hemp sector, Illinois can create a more equitable and sustainable model of cannabis entrepreneurship that genuinely addresses the socioeconomic disparities wrought by historical drug policies. As such, the hemp industry stands as a beacon of possibility for achieving the social equity goals that the current cannabis regulations have not fulfilled.
The proposed THC limits of 0.5 mg per serving and 2.0 mg per container outlined in the bill would have devastating consequences for my business and others like it across Illinois. These limits are arbitrary, lack scientific basis and fail to align with the typical 30-day supply framework used in dietary supplements. Should these restrictions pass, they would eliminate 90 percent of the non-intoxicating full-spectrum hemp products that Sunmed offers (95% of our total offerings). This would drive consumers to dangerous, unregulated online markets, creating potential safety risks and diverting significant tax revenue out of Illinois.
Discussions about transitioning all hemp products, including CBD, into the existing recreational marijuana regulatory framework are concerning. This approach would irreparably harm small businesses like mine. Unlike dispensaries, we do not target or sell products designed for intoxication. Instead, we specialize in cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC-V — compounds that would neither thrive nor be permitted in a dispensary environment. Our customer base is fundamentally different. Most of our customers are over the age of 55, seeking non-intoxicating, hemp-rich products. These people would not feel comfortable visiting a dispensary and would struggle to find the products they rely on for their health and wellness.
We are not marketing or selling products to children.
We are not selling products that look like routine snacks enjoyed by children (such as Cheetos and Nerds Ropes).
All our products are third-party lab tested for cannabis content and product purity (pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, mycotoxins and bacteria, residual solvents)
Most important is our commitment to education and safety. As an Army veteran, I take community protection and education personally. As a person of color, I don’t ever use my race for profit. I agree that a successful social equity program in the cannabis space sets up a responsible business model for the industry to grow. This legislation indirectly but ultimately tears any equity the state has gained down to rubble.
There are always unintended consequences in any industry. The best path forward is responsibly monitoring and evacuating the bad actors while letting the marketplace thrive. Whether we look at the roaring 20s or the last century of cannabis, prohibition doesn’t work. Neither do other types of business bans which cause more unintended consequences that set forward more dangerous regulations and irrational decision making.
We urge our lawmakers to consider supporting alternative, balanced approaches that address concerns about intoxicating hemp products without undermining an entire industry. The industry, as a whole, wants to be regulated and would support a robust framework with measures such as establishing an age restriction of 21 and requiring childproof packaging, reasonable special tax rates and licensing requirements. Setting reasonable THC limits can effectively enhance public safety while allowing small businesses like mine to continue serving our communities.
We are so thankful for the support the people in this area have always shown us.
Matt Anderson
Owner, Sunmed
Quincy, Illinois
My business has proudly served our community since 2020 by offering high-quality, hemp-derived wellness products that promote well-being while contributing to Illinois’ economy. Read More
