Illinois lawmakers joined the licensed cannabis industry Thursday in calling for a ban on intoxicating hemp products such as Delta-8-THC, a move retailers of such substances said would put them out of business.

The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, which represents large licensed marijuana companies, called for allowing regulated sales of non-intoxicating hemp products such as CBD, but prohibiting sales of intoxicants until a committee can recommend how to proceed.

Tiffany Ingram, executive director of the association, called synthetically derived cannabinoids, including Delta-8 and THC-O, “Frankenstein weed.”

Hemp is the same cannabis plant that makes marijuana, but by law is supposed to have less than .3% THC, the component that gets pot users high. Federal lawmakers legalized it in the 2018 Farm Bill. But manufacturers found ways to create derivatives that get users high.

The products are now commonly sold at gas stations, smoke shops and corner stores, with no age restrictions and no requirements for testing or labeling. Some packaging mimics snacks or candy that appeal to children.

“This is why Illinois needs to push pause on these products,” Ingram said.

Unlike hemp, licensed cannabis companies in Illinois must test and label their products for potency, pesticides and other contaminants, have limits on total THC, and limit sales to those 21 and older. Customers also must pay high taxes.

But some hemp business owners say they voluntarily follow the same standards and have long called for state regulation so they don’t get lumped in with bad operators.

Charles Wu, co-founder of Chi’Tiva, with hemp stores in Chicago and Worth, said the proposed ban was a “money play” to eliminate competition.

“We want to operate responsibly and on a level playing field,” he said. “This would put us out of business.”

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