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A First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 ("Business Licensing") of the Oak Park Village Code Prohibiting the Sale of Intoxicating Hemp and Kratom Products to Underage Persons
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Introduction
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At the October 8, 2024, Regular Meeting, the Village Board reviewed a recommendation from the Oak Park Board of Health to ban the sale of unregulated THC derived from hemp ("intoxicating hemp"). After discussion, the Village Board directed staff to draft legislation to regulate the sale of these products to persons under 21 years of age. On February 11, 2025, the Village Board further reviewed the matter and asked for the adoption of the legislation by March 18, 2025.
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Recommended Action
This is a First Reading only. A Second Reading and final adoption is expected on March 18, 2025.
Prior Board Action
At the October 8, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Village Board, the Board of Health discussed their recommendation to ban the sale of intoxicating hemp in Oak Park.
The Village Board provided the following direction after the above-noted discussion:
* A majority of the Village Board desired regulation over a ban on intoxicating hemp products
* Wait for the outcome of the State of Illinois 2025 Spring General Assembly session that has pending legislation on this topic
* Research draft legislation to regulate the sale of intoxicating hemp sold in Oak Park to only those over 21
* Evaluate the option for a business license fee or business registration fee and strict fines for non-compliance
* Evaluate a tax on the sale of intoxicating hemp products
* Create an education campaign about intoxicating hemp
* Meet with individual local business owners who may sell intoxicating hemp products
At the February 11, 2025, Regular Meeting, the Village Board further reviewed the item and decided not to wait for the outcome of the State of Illinois 2025 Spring General Assembly session and instead adopt legislation by March 18,...
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