https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/how-chicago-businesses-are-bracing-for-the-state-s-hemp-ban-chicago-sun-timesContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/how-chicago-businesses-are-bracing-for-the-state-s-hemp-ban-chicago-sun-timeshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/how-chicago-businesses-are-bracing-for-the-state-s-hemp-ban-chicago-sun-times#u195412Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:44:28 +0000A federal judge will hear arguments Nov. 19 on a lawsuit filed by an industry trade group, pausing enforcement of the Illinois Hemp Act for roughly 250 businesses that joined the suit. The ban still takes effect Thursday, Nov. 12, for all other sellers of hemp-derived THC beverages and products. Marz Community Brewing and other Chicago-area producers have built significant revenue around these drinks, which they say rescued pandemic-hit operations.Why it mattersIllinois passed the Hemp Act to restrict intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids, setting a Nov. 12 compliance deadline. The law threat