Hemp hangup: Why Illinois leaders have failed to regulate delta-8 – WBEZ (Chicago)

Big money is on the line in a debate that has highlighted a rift among Democrats across Illinois. Hemp leaders say the $800 million industry has created a vital economic avenue for people who weren’t able to snag coveted social-equity pot dispensary licenses in the state’s troubled licensing rollout, while cannabis leaders say unregulated delta-8 sales are cutting into the legal weed industry, which generated $490 million in tax revenue last year. Both sides have directed major campaign contributions to politicians wrangling over the issue.