BREAKING: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has just vetoed a controversial ban on intoxicating hemp products, a decision that directly impacts the livelihoods of small business owners across the city. The veto comes amid urgent concerns from local entrepreneurs who rallied just a day prior, fearing the ban would lead to closures and significant job losses.
The proposed ban, initially set to take effect on April 1, 2023, would have restricted hemp sales to licensed cannabis dispensaries, effectively sidelining small hemp retailers like Chi’Tiva Lounge in the South Loop. Owners warned that the ordinance would disproportionately harm minority-owned businesses, many of which have turned to hemp as a viable path into the marketplace.
In his veto statement, Mayor Johnson expressed significant concerns about the ordinance, labeling it as “premature” given the forthcoming federal regulations. He emphasized the need for collaboration with small business owners, saying, “We must have strict age verification, responsible labeling, and clear enforcement standards,” while also ensuring that businesses are not legislated out of existence.
The mayor’s decision reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs in Chicago. As noted by the ACLU of Illinois, past attempts to criminalize such products have repeatedly failed, pushing commerce into unregulated black markets. Johnson’s administration aims to craft a balanced regulatory framework that protects young consumers while supporting local businesses.
During the rally, Chi’Tiva owner Charles Wu highlighted the severe impacts of the ban, stating, “Our entire business would shut down. Employees would be laid off.” The emotional weight of this decision resonates deeply within the community, where many fear losing not just their jobs, but the vibrant cultural spaces that establishments like Chi’Tiva provide.
As the hemp industry awaits clearer guidelines from federal authorities, the mayor’s veto marks a critical juncture for Chicago’s small businesses. The move has been lauded by local leaders, including Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez, who stated that minority business owners often feel left behind in policymaking.
With the veto now in place, what remains is the urgent call for the City Council to collaborate with Johnson’s administration and community stakeholders to draft thoughtful regulation. The next steps will be crucial as they navigate this evolving landscape, ensuring that safety measures are in place without sacrificing the economic vitality of small businesses.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops, and understand how this decision will shape the future of hemp sales in Chicago.
