Ford Introduces Under 21 Ban on Delta-8 THC Products

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Concerned about the ease of access and intoxicating effects of Delta-8 THC products on youth, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, has introduced a uniform ban on all current and future Delta products for those under 21.

“Delta-8 and similar products are skirting the intent of our existing regulations on cannabis,” Ford said. “As we continue to further develop regulations for an evolving marketplace, let’s take decisive action now to ensure these products are not inappropriately getting in the hands of kids.”

Ford filed House Bill 4193 this week as part of efforts to explicitly curb Delta-8 THC use by those under 21. Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance found in cannabis plants, and can create psychoactive and intoxicating effects similar to Delta-9 THC – the component responsible for producing the “high” that individuals receive using cannabis. Delta-8 THC products are not regulated by the federal government, and there are concerns about how it has been marketed in ways appealing to children.

“We knew from day one of cannabis legalization that this is not a static issue and that we would need to make responsible updates as necessary,” Ford said. “Even if new derivatives appear in the marketplace, this proposal will ensure that our rules for under 21 still apply.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.