Despite a previous recommendation from the Oak Park Board of Health to ban the sale of unregulated THC, village trustees have indicated they’d rather regulate sales, starting with an age restriction.
Unregulated THC, the compound that gives marijuana its “high,” is sold in Oak Park, usually in the form of delta-8. These products can cause adverse health effects and are often marketed to children as snacks or candy.
In October, public health representatives explained to the village board that there’s not enough research yet on delta-8 to understand the impact of the drug and what it could be combined with. But the majority of the board said they’d like to regulate the products instead.
Trustee Susan Buchanan appeared to be the only trustee at the time who agreed with the recommendation to ban the sale.
At the village board meeting Tuesday, Oak Parker Judith Alexander spoke, sharing her concerns about the chemicals in unregulated THC or delta-8.
“Under the current [Trump] administration, future federal action is doubtful,” she said. “Illinois is unlikely to do anything, either…So, it’s up to towns like Oak Park.”
There is village precedent for regulation, like with alcohol, tobacco and cannabis products, Alexander pointed out. And regulation through taxes or fines could help fund its own enforcement, she said.
Trustee Chibuike Enyia, who motioned for this item to be brought forward for discussion again, said he believed everyone could agree having access to unregulated THC or delta-8 at a young age is not a good idea. Making sure these products are out of the hands of minors is the first step, he said.
“There has to be some strict rules and regulations…especially knowing that [these products] have the ability to influence the mind,” he said. “There’s not enough warning and regulation around with any of the sellers within Oak Park.”
Trustees appeared in agreement to consider a regulation preventing unregulated THC or delta-8 products from being sold to individuals, likely under the age of 21, in Oak Park. A decision will have to be finalized by vote at a later date.
“I don’t want to sell to kids while we wait for the state to figure out its politics,” Trustee Cory Wesley said. “I have heard from community members that there are folks in our village who are selling this stuff to kids, and I just find that unacceptable.”
Trustee Ravi Parakkat, who seconded Enyia’s motion, agreed regulation is important and that the board shouldn’t wait on slow-moving state legislation on this matter.
Trustee Brian Straw also said he’d like public health measures like the age restriction or moving delta-8 products behind sale counters to be implemented as soon as possible, but other steps should be taken, too. That includes public education on the matter and taxes.
But some trustees raised concerns about how the regulations will be enforced. Village Manager Kevin Jackson said enforcement could fall under the responsibility of the health department, police and neighborhood services.
“If we can’t enforce this, there’s really no point in doing it,” Trustee Lucia Robinson said, adding she’d like that to be discussed more in depth later.
Deputy Village Manager Lisa Shelley also added they still need to discuss collecting a tax for these products with the finance department. Municipalities are limited on taxing unlike the state. Oak Park could tax on a per unit basis of products sold, but not on the percentage of sales. For example, Chicago has a 5 cent-per-bottle tax on bottled water sales.
Shelley also said the village staff has not yet met with all the business owners selling unregulated THC or delta-8 in Oak Park but have started outreach. The village is aware of about eight to 10 businesses right now that are selling these products.
The board is now expected to move faster on an age restriction for these sales while still evaluating tax and other options for regulation.
“All it takes is one bad situation, and that’s what I want to avoid,” Enyia said.