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Bill > SB2654

IL SB2654

IL SB2654
CANNABIS MERGER

summary

Introduced
04/29/2025
In Committee
04/29/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes changes to provisions regarding disclosures. Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Changes the definition of "prescription and nonprescription medicines and drugs" and "adult use cannabis", beginning on January 1, 2026. Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Adds provisional patients and Opioid Alternative Patient Program participants to certain provisions that include qualified patients. Adds and changes definitions. Adds references to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, designated caregivers, qualifying patients, Opioid Alternative Patient Program participants, or provisional patients may purchase an adequate medical supply at any dispensing organization licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, the issuance or renewal of any medical cannabis cultivation permits will cease at the next renewal period. Makes conforming changes for transitions from the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Sunsets or repeals certain provisions on certain dates. Makes other changes. Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Adds and changes definitions. Makes changes to provisions concerning the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. In provisions regarding the Cannabis Business Development Fund, adds references to Social Equity Criteria Lottery Licensees. Makes changes to provisions concerning loans and grants to Social Equity Applicants. Provides for certain license mergers. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to make conforming changes. Amends the Tobacco Accessories and Smoking Herbs Control Act to repeal certain references to marijuana and hashish. Effective immediately.

AI Summary

This bill makes comprehensive changes to Illinois' cannabis regulation system, focusing on the merger and transition of medical cannabis programs into the adult use cannabis framework. The key provisions can be summarized as follows: This bill creates a systematic transition of medical cannabis programs and dispensaries into the adult use cannabis framework, effective January 1, 2026. The legislation modifies multiple existing laws to streamline cannabis regulations, including changes to tax provisions, licensing requirements, and operational standards for cannabis businesses. Beginning January 1, 2026, all existing medical cannabis dispensaries will automatically become adult use dispensaries, and these organizations will be required to continue serving medical cannabis patients while also serving adult recreational users. Dispensaries must maintain an adequate supply of medical cannabis products and prioritize medical patients' needs, including dedicating service lines or specific times for patient purchases. The bill introduces several important changes, such as ceasing the issuance of new medical cannabis cultivation permits after July 1, 2025, and requiring existing medical cannabis businesses to pay a one-time $10,000 fee to help fund the medical cannabis program. It also modifies tax structures, ensuring that cannabis purchased by qualifying patients, designated caregivers, and certain program participants will be exempt from adult use cannabis taxes. The legislation maintains patient protections by requiring dispensaries to prioritize medical cannabis patients, maintain patient confidentiality, and continue serving registered qualifying patients, provisional patients, designated caregivers, and Opioid Alternative Patient Program participants. Additionally, the bill provides a framework for transitioning existing medical cannabis licenses and permits into the adult use cannabis system, with provisions for prorating fees and ensuring continuity of operations. The bill also makes technical changes to various related laws, including tax codes, vehicle regulations, and smoking control regulations, to align with the new cannabis regulatory framework.

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to Assignments (on 04/29/2025)

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