On Thursday, February 12, 2026, local hemp business owners, advocates, and community stakeholders will gather for a “Band Together” Town Hall to push back against a sweeping hemp product ban recently approved by Chicago’s City Council. The event is a call for dialogue—not shutdowns—and a direct appeal for Mayor Brandon Johnson to veto the ordinance.
EVENT DETAILS
- WHAT: “Band Together” Town Hall to discuss the Chicago City Council ban on hemp products
- WHEN: Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- WHERE: Michigan Avenue Tower, 1250 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605
Hosted at Michigan Avenue Tower, the town hall brings together a broad coalition of industry leaders and organizations, including:
- Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association
- Illinois Hemp Business Association
- Illinois Black Hemp Association
- Marketing Imprint
- Chi-tiva
- Lawrence Smoke and Vape
- King of the Flavors
- Smokepost
- Humboldt Haus
- Money Tree Genetics
- Kizmah CBD
Organizers say the current ordinance goes too far—threatening legal businesses, jobs, and consumer access—without leaning on science or thoughtful regulation. Their goal is to negotiate sensible, responsible rules that protect consumers and children while establishing clear packaging and compliance standards for Chicago’s hemp market.
Chicago deserves science-based regulations—not policies that punish legal businesses and eliminate consumer access.
WHY IT MATTERS
This town hall isn’t just about hemp—it’s about policy, livelihoods, and whether Chicago chooses regulation over elimination. Community members, business owners, and supporters are encouraged to attend, listen, and make their voices heard.
WTW WATCH: If you’re impacted by the ordinance—or want clearer, safer standards instead of a blanket ban—this is the room to be in.
