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Sale of hemp-derived THC products including beverages, kratom banned in the Village of Niles
by CYRYL JAKUBOWSKI
The Village of Niles will crack down on the sale of hemp-derived THC products including beverages, kratom and tianeptine at stores by issuing penalties and potential suspension of business licenses.
The Niles Board of Trustees at its meeting March 24 approved an ordinance that would prohibit the sale and possession of these “unregulated substances,” a news release said.
A federal ban on hemp-derived THC products signed into law by President Donald Trump will go into effect on Nov. 12. The federal ban won’t apply to state-regulated adult-use or medical cannabis programs.
The village said all substances containing unregulated THC, including Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC beverages would be prohibited in the village. Several suburbs have enacted similar bans.
Under the law, businesses that sell the products could receive citations ranging from $200 to $750 per offense, per day and risk potentially getting their business license suspended or revoked. Minors will not be allowed to possess these substances under the law, the village said.
Village officials said the ban would go into effect next month. For the first 90 days the sale of the products would be prohibited to people younger than age 21. On the 91st day all sales would be prohibited in the village.
The police department along with the community development department will educate any stores selling the products prior to any enforcement.
Chicago passed an ordinance banning similar products excluding THC drinks but Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed the law.
Kratom is usually sold as a powder or in capsules at smoke shops, gas stations and online. Tianeptine has been called “gas station heroin” in published reports. THC infused drinks have become popular in recent years and are sold in most big box liquor stores and served in bars.
“This ordinance is about protecting our residents — especially our youth — from substances that are unregulated and potentially harmful,” said Mayor George D. Alpogianis. “We are taking a proactive approach to ensure these products are not easily accessible in our community.”
“One of our most important responsibilities to our youth and residents is protecting their safety and well-being,” said Trustee Dean Strzelecki, sponsor of the ordinance. “This ordinance both raises awareness and limits access to products that pose serious health risks.”
“We want to ensure that businesses operating in Niles are aligned with community standards and that our residents are protected,” said Niles Police Chief Joseph Romano.
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