(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Gas stations and other stores in Wheeling that are selling synthetic cannabis products will have to stop in less than two months, under an ordinance the Village passed last week.
Trustee Joe Vito was the lone vote against the measure. He cited federal law, which allows the sale of cannabis or hemp products with less than 3% THC.
“So we are now going to criminalize something that’s technically legal while we have two pot shops in town that are technically illegal,” he said.
Village Attorney James Ferolo said many of the products, such as Delta 8 and 9, are not regulated.
“It’s kind of the wild west, very frankly, so to say 21 for products you really just don’t know that much about — I’m not sure that’s going to do a whole lot,” Ferolo said.
Wheeling police estimate four to seven businesses are selling the product, which do not have age restrictions. The ban will take effect Jan. 1, 2024, after which point any stores caught selling the products will face fines of at least $500. The village’s two cannabis dispensaries are exempt.
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