The Midwest is an interesting place for cannabis. In Illinois, four out of our five neighboring states have not decriminalized the mighty plant, making it so that states such as ourself, Michigan, and Missouri are acting as regional cannabis hubs. In compliance with federal law, transport across state lines is prohibited – rendering it difficult for residents of non-legal states such as Indiana and Iowa to access THC. Fortunately, state-by-state cannabis laws are ever evolving; unfortunately, this evolution is not always set in a progressive direction. Read below to learn about some recent updates in cannabis laws within the Midwest!
Illinois
In Illinois, all cannabis vendors are well aware of the implementation of Illinois METRC (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance). This tracking system, previously utilized in other legal states, monitors the entire supply chain of cannabis products. From cultivation to transport, testing, and retail, the Illinois Department of Agriculture is incorporating METRC to create a tracking system that envelopes all aspects of the supply chain. As Illinois suppliers and retailers previously used Biotrack, relying on barcodes, METRC gives license holders the ability to track items in real time using RFID tags.
Ohio
Turning to the state of Ohio, Senate Bill 56 is nearly in effect as it aims to crack down on public consumption laws, access to intoxicating hemp products, and restricting production of certain items. Citing the importance of enforcing laws to protect minors, State Rep. Brian Stewart has advocated for the banning of edible items that could appeal to children, including fruit- or gummybear-shaped edibles. Cannabis advertising will also be closely watched as this bill passes, in an effort to eliminate advertising that might target minors – either directly or indirectly. In continuation with these new regulations, Ohio has also been paying attention to intoxicating hemp products that aren’t legally classified as cannabis. Hemp products, such as Delta-9 items and smokable hemp, now must be sold at licensed stores separate from marijuana dispensaries. While Ohio is also banning public consumption, it is still allowing for bars and restaurants to sell low-THC content drinks to be consumed on their premises. Some constituents consider these measures to play into ‘recriminalization’ of cannabis – we’ll just have to wait and see the degree to which these laws are upheld.
Kentucky
In some positive news, Kentucky (green) grass might be coming up quicker than expected. Medical card holders will – fingers crossed – be able to buy legal cannabis from dispensaries as we move into the new year, with medical cannabis set to become legal in the bluegrass state starting Jan. 1. This process is slow moving, as only four companies have been awarded dispensary licenses. Out-of-state cannabis companies that have had their head-start over the last decade are attempting to infiltrate this new market, which could impact profits for state-based companies. Kentucky Public Radio found that 33 of the 36 dispensary license winners were not residents of the state, with half of companies including leadership that were associated with out-of-state cannabis businesses. As the remaining states begin the slow march towards legalization, external businesses that have had their hands in the industry for however many years will have an advantage over businesses that are just now kicking off.
Cannabis legalization is a slow, arduous process – made further complicated by the fragmentation of legislation across our United States. Beyond supplying residents with new means of medical treatment and recreation, cannabis sales benefit states immensely with tax gains. Here’s to hoping for new access, expansions, and legalizations all 2026!