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DeKalb council to consider restricting unregulated hemp-derived THC product sales
Summary
Council members expressed concern about unregulated hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products sold outside regulated dispensaries and asked staff to draft an ordinance (or a temporary suspension) after hearing about products that resemble snack foods and could appeal to youth.
DeKalb — The council on June 9 discussed whether to ban or suspend sales of unregulated hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products in the city, directing staff to return with ordinance language after hearing testimony and staff research.
The mayor and council members described a rise in hemp-derived products that are not regulated like dispensary cannabis: products sold in retail stores can be sold in bulk, then concentrated into higher-potency preparations, and some packaging deliberately resembles snack foods or candies. Council members and staff said those packaging and product forms raise youth-access and public-safety concerns.
Council members suggested three regulatory options: allow sales with local regulation, suspend sales temporarily while researching approaches others have taken, or ban the products outright. Several members voiced support for a temporary suspension or ban; Alderman Williams said she would “probably lean towards suspending the sale, until we know more.” Alderman Burke asked about enforcement, and staff said compliance checks (stings) and public information campaigns were possible enforcement tools.
Next steps: The City Manager said staff will draft an ordinance and consult local retailers before bringing the measure back for first reading. Council members noted that some states and municipalities have already moved to ban certain hemp-derived products and that the unregulated product supply chain differs from the regulated dispensary chain with seed-to-sale tracking.
What was not decided: Council did not adopt an immediate ban at the June 9 meeting; instead they asked staff to prepare ordinance language and enforcement options for future consideration.
