Illinois House Bill to Ban Cannabis Industry — Instead of Regulating It — Would Be a Costly Mistake – Muddy River News

More and more people are discovering the beneficial properties of hemp, an often misunderstood natural plant.

Although hemp comes from the same cannabis plant as marijuana, it is not the same product. Hemp is legal under federal law. This legal, versatile plant can be found in many forms on our store shelves, from award-winning CBD creams to clinically proven sleep gummies and USDA-organic tinctures, each carefully formulated with the safety and well-being of our customers as our top priority.

Sunmed began in 2022 as a small CBD-focused company. Since then, it has grown and evolved with scientific advancements that leverage the unique benefits of the various cannabinoids that are natural to the hemp plant. As part of a national franchise with over 300 locations, including five in Illinois, I am proud to own Sunmed in Quincy.

All Sunmed products are tested by an independent lab for purity and quality. I understand the need for industry regulation of cannabis—which is currently lacking in Illinois—to ensure that products are thoughtfully produced and safe for consumers. But let’s be honest: regulating cannabis is not the same as banning it. We need smart policies, not the hard-hitting bans—which would do more harm than good—considered by our state legislators in House Bill 4293.

Hemp has its own unique value, distinct from all the pros and cons of marijuana. It plays a critical role in our local economy. From supporting small businesses to providing consumers with natural alternatives for better sleep, relief, and everyday wellness, hemp has become an integral part of our community. The hemp product bans in HB 4293 will pull the rug out from under an industry that has already proven its worth—punishing responsible businesses and consumers based on unfounded fears. We need a thoughtful approach that ensures safety and quality without stifling innovation or destroying businesses like mine.

As a business owner, I have long advocated for regulations that allow responsible businesses to thrive while protecting consumers from those who skimp and risk safety. I join countless business owners, workers, and farmers in my industry in advocating for rigorous testing of all products, rigorous packaging and labeling requirements—and an age limit of 21 for adult-use products.

Many businesses, like mine, have already voluntarily adopted some of these practices because we care about the safety and trust of our customers. We also hope that the tax on cannabis products will put revenue back into our communities to help support our families, friends, and neighbors.

Without clear safeguards that put consumer safety first and support a profitable, sustainable hemp industry, it will be difficult for hemp companies to continue operating in our state—not to mention the farmers who have built their livelihoods around growing this legal agricultural commodity. Due to the current regulatory uncertainty, several Illinois hemp companies have relocated to other states, taking jobs and revenue. Let’s not risk eliminating more legal jobs. Illinois cannot afford it.

Hemp isn’t just another product on the shelf. It’s part of a broader movement toward sustainable agriculture and increased access to therapeutic products. I’m a military veteran, and the hemp industry has helped ease my transition from service—from products that address my chronic pain and discomfort to the opportunity to serve and positively impact the lives of other veterans, their families, others in my community, and local residents.

Prohibiting cannabis would hit communities hard, taking away opportunities for businesses and limiting choices for consumers who rely on cannabis products to address everyday health and wellness concerns. Instead of shutting down the entire industry, let’s work toward balanced regulations that protect consumers while allowing businesses to thrive.

I urge our state legislators to reject any sweeping prohibitions and focus on creating equitable laws that recognize the benefits of hemp while addressing quality control issues. We must consider the livelihoods of those who depend on this industry and the consumers who use its products.

Let’s not derail an industry with such great potential. Instead, let’s run it responsibly.

Matt Anderson is the owner of Sunmed CBD at 5313 Broadway in Quincy. He is also a U.S. Army veteran.