MOLINE, Ill. — The State of Illinois gave Laura Bomgardner a lifeline four years ago — one that helped keep her business, Lollypalooza, afloat. The licensed tobacco shop hasn't moved in 11 years, but Bomgardner says the public perception on products like hemp has.
"It wasn't considered as much a medicine then as it is right now," Bomgardner said. "I mean, it benefits people with PTSD, arthritis, all sorts of things like that."
Hemp doesn't have the same restrictions as a federally controlled substance like marijuana. It's allowed across all states, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
"I think in the past, it was more about getting high than it was the other benefits," Bomgarnder said. "But with legalization and things becoming more opened, more is being learned about it."
The Illinois General Assembly passed its Industrial Hemp Act in the same year, giving the state's department of agriculture power to regulate the industry. The Department of Agriculture's latest proposed rules would allow unannounced inspections and testing of crops, restrictions on who can obtain a license to produce and punishments for violators.
Bomgardner said her shop sells American-made products, and cracking down on potential distributors could affect business.
"THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) has gotten so popular. Part of that, I believe, is because it's also a little more reasonably priced. [People would rather buy it here] instead of maybe going to the dispensary where the Illinois taxes are kind of high."
Finances aside, the owner of Lollypalooza believes the rise is public interest is a good sign for the industry. She says it will help break down longstanding stigma.
"More information is a good thing and that's the best thing about all of this," Bomgardner said. It wasn't being studied [before when people had to hide it] and the benefits weren't being shown for marijuana, THC-A and other products."
The Illinois Department of Agriculture will meet again to discuss the provisions on Tuesday, Dec. 10.