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Hemp CBD Wellness co-owner Olga Ochisor (standing) addresses the Park Ridge Public Safety Committee of the Whole on March 17, 2025 (Photo by Igor Studenkov/Journal & Topics Reporter)
Park Ridge alderpersons held off on advancing an ordinance that would ban all products that use synthetic hemp-based compounds after owners of Hemp CBD Wellness, a cannabis products seller that has locations in Arlington Heights and Park Ridge, raised concerns that some of the language would have united consequences for their business.
During the March 3 Park Ridge Public Safety Committee of the Whole meeting, alderpersons reviewed the ordinance that would ban the sale of such products to anyone under 21. After a prolonged discussion, the committee settled on the total ban. The city attorneys came back with an ordinance on March 17. During the public comment portion of the discussion, Hemp CBD Wellness co-owner Olga Ochisor said that, while she wasn’t opposed to banning synthetic THC, she was worried that the ordinance’s language was broad enough to ban many of their products. After some discussion, the alderpersons agreed that they simply didn’t know enough about the subject, and instructed the staff and the city attorneys to study the issue.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a compound usually found in hemp. Some variations of it have medicinal uses such as relieving symptoms of chemotherapy. The names Delta-8, Delta-9 and Delta 10 refer to THC variations.
In recent years, products that use a version of THC synthesized in a lab have increasingly been sold in vape shops and convenience stores. This includes candy, vape products and even baked goods.
Unlike medical and recreational cannabis products, which are tightly regulated on state level, the General Assembly hasn’t been able to pass any legislation regulating THC products on the state level.
The ordinance introduced at the March 17 meeting would specifically ban synthetically manufactured THC, as well as as Delta-9 THC with “total content concentration level in excess of 0.3% on a dry weight basis” or “total content concentration in excess of 0.5 milligrams per labeled serving or individual unit or 2.5 milligrams per package regardless of the number of labeled servings or individual units therein.”
Shops such as Hemp CBD Wellness sell hemp-based products such as oils and gummies. Ochisor said that “we choose not to sell” any kind of synthetic THC products.
“If it’s about Delta-8, I don’t care, I’m against it,” she added. “Those drinks, when I see 50 or 100 milligrams, should not be sold in such amounts, per can or even [as] edibles.”
However, Ochisor said that she was worried that the “2.5 milligrams per package” language of the ordinance was so broad that it would affect the products they sell that contain a tiny amount of Delta-9.
“I would have to close the door,” she said.
After some discussion with city attorney Julie Tappendorf, the alderpersons agreed that they simply didn’t know enough about the subject to determine whether Ochisor’s concerns were justified.
“I don’t want to intentionally hurt your business, if it’s not what we’re trying to do,” said Ald. John Moran (1st).
The committee voted to postpone the discussion until the next regularly scheduled meeting, which is currently set for April 7.
Hemp CBD co-owner Avi Thakar offered to meet with the alderpersons beforehand.
“We are open to be here any time and answer any questions about the products that we sell,” he said.
Support local news by subscribing to the Journal & Topics in print or online. ”}]] Park Ridge alderpersons held off on advancing an ordinance that would ban all products that use synthetic hemp-based compounds after owners of Hemp CBD Wellness, a cannabis products seller that has locations in Arlington Heights and Park Ridge, raised concerns that some of the language would have united consequences for their business. Read More
