IL HR0271

Industrial hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa L. containing 0.3% or less of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), distinguishing it from marijuana which contains 5-20% THC.

Hemp is currently imported from more than 20 countries and has thousands of uses in clothing, food, fuel, and everyday products in the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Agency refuses to issue permits for industrial hemp cultivation despite it being technically legal with a permit under federal law.

The resolution urges the DEA, FDA, U.S. Attorney General, and other federal agencies to remove barriers preventing Illinois and American farmers from growing industrial hemp in controlled and regulated situations.

Copies of the resolution are to be sent to the President, U.S. Attorney General, DEA Administrator, Secretary of Agriculture, congressional leadership, and Illinois congressional delegation.