Illinois Hemp Growers Association
BENEFIT CORPORATION
2025 Hemp Lobby Day
Take Action and Help Shape the Future of Illinois’ Hemp Industry
On Thursday, April 17th, the Illinois Hemp Growers Association, dedicated members, and industry stakeholders will join forces for a second time in 2025 to deliver a clear message to Illinois lawmakers: Grassroots Hemp Reform is the Way Forward!
Building on a strong track record of boots-on-the-ground advocacy for equitable solutions, the 1/4/25 Lame Duck Hemp Lobby Day & Hemp Rally demonstrated the power of community voices, with personal stories highlighting the urgency of our fight.
Our spring 2024 efforts saw nearly 800 witness slips signed in opposition to the harmful SB4293. Though the bill did not progress, it was later revived in the Lame Duck session. Thanks to our collective efforts, it was defeated. However, that language, previously in HB4293, has now resurfaced in the 104th General Assembly as SB20, once again threatening the Illinois hemp industry.
Hemp growers, processors, retailers, consumers, business owners, and advocates will come together once again to show our opposition to SB20 and advocate for the language in companion bills HB64 and SB1775 (formerly HB5903). This lobby day will be an opportunity to further connect lawmakers with the real stories and pressing needs of the Illinois hemp industry.
As we approach the next legislative session, momentum is on our side—but we need your support to ensure our voices are heard loud and clear in Springfield. Together, we can help legislators understand the vital role of hemp in advancing sustainable agriculture, driving economic innovation, and protecting a federally legal commodity and its markets.
What Are We Pushing to Secure?
Regulatory Clarity: Support amending the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act to make hemp a recognized ingredient.
Equitable Access: Removal of the Illinois property tax code requirement for hemp production licenses, extending access to millions of people who were previously ineligible for the program
Public Safety: Push for safer testing guidelines, packaging regulations, and 21+ age restrictions on hemp cannabinoid products.
Federal Alignment: Let’s move toward consistent standards, stepping away from the current patchwork of regulations.
Economic Opportunity: Empowers urban farmers, local businesses, local food, innovation, bio-based manufacturing, and more
Consumer Choice: Ensure local and mail-order access to diverse and affordable hemp products, support small business and Illinois farmers, boost the normalization of cannabis
Sustainability Goals: Advance state goals for sustainable AG, improved food systems, nutrient loss reduction strategies, low-carbon initiatives, renewable energy programs, clean jobs, safe and affordable housing, and more.
2025 Hemp Lobby Day Sponsorships
Lunch and general fund sponsors for this lobby day are needed. Please donate if you or your business / organization can help make the day a success!
All sponsors will have prominent logo placement on our lobby day webpage, handouts, and badges.
Recommended donation is $100. Our goal is $700.
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Make Your Voice Heard for Fair Hemp Reform!
Contact Your Representatives: Find your Illinois House and Senate Representatives with the IHGA Advocacy APP (ask for an invite) and send them a message asking them to support HB64 and SB1775. Need assistance? Let us know—we’re here to help.
Know Your Story: Use our storytelling resources to refine your narrative and share your personal connection to the hemp industry effectively.
RSVP and Join the Prep Call: Attend our prep call on April 10th to ensure we have a unified message. Participation in this call (or a previous IHGA Lobby Day) is required to join us at the Capitol. When you RSVP for the event, you’ll be automatically added to the prep call list on 4/10.
Use IHGA Fact Sheets: Spread awareness and deepen your understanding of the critical issues affecting hemp by utilizing and sharing our fact sheets (below) with your networks.
Catch up on the issues: Check out these discussions on the IHGA Patreon and Blog, and on the Cole Memo Podcast to take a deeper dive into the bill.
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