High expectations: Illinois okays hemp cultivation

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In Illinois, Governor Bruce Rauner has signed a bill to allow cannabis cultivation for industrial purposes such as fabrics, plastics, and construction materials.

The Industrial Hemp Act (SB 22980) creates a program for the state’s Department of Agriculture to issue licenses and sets guidelines for THC testing.

“Our farmers lead the nation in corn and soybean production. In signing this bill, Gov. Rauner is providing our framers another crop for their fields and another opportunity to compete nationally,” Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, chair of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, tells WIFR.

The bills is effective immediately. HB 5749 takes effect in July 2019.