How to Apply

A hemp product manufacturer is a facility operated by a person licensed by the Department to obtain hemp or intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid product to manufacture and produce hemp-derived cannabinoid products.

A license is required for persons or entities that:

• Handle or process hemp into hemp extract, intermediate, or hemp-derived cannabinoid final product (contains cannabinoids)

• Extract hemp plant material

• Manufacture any product which contains cannabinoids from hemp extract or intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid product

A license is NOT required for entities that:

• Sell packaged hemp-derived cannabinoid consumer products
• Store or distribute packaged hemp-derived cannabinoid consumer products
• Transport packaged hemp-derived cannabinoid consumer products
• Produce cannabis products under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act

A licensed entity may only produce intermediate or final products that meets the definition of “Hemp” under Illinois law

• Licensees shall not produce a product that contains more than a per-container total of 0.4 milligrams of total tetrahydrocannabinols, including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and any other cannabinoids that have similar effects or are marketed to have similar effects on humans or animals as a tetrahydrocannabinol as outlined in Section 15 of the Illinois Hemp Act.
• Licensees may only sell products that meet the definition of hemp and are in compliance with the requirements of the jurisdiction in which they are sold.
  • Products intended for sale in Illinois must comply with the requirements of Section 35 of the Illinois Hemp Act.
  • Products intended for sale outside of Illinois must comply with the definition of hemp and the requirements of the jurisdiction in which they are sold.

Application:

Applicants for hemp product manufacturer licenses shall provide full, complete, and accurate information in the application. Applicants should provide a full description of the operations and processes conducted at the facility. This can be in the form of a business and operation plan included as an attachment or a comprehensive outline of operations. The Department may request more information on operations as part of the application process. Contact AGR.Hemp@illinois.gov if you have any questions regarding the application.  

Approval Process:

Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. The Department may issue a temporary provisional license to allow applicants to continue operations in compliance with the Illinois Hemp Act while the application review process is conducted. Applicants that wish to receive a provisional license on November 12, 2026 should apply no later than 4pm on November 9. Standard licenses will not be issued until the Department receives a complete application and an onsite inspection is completed. The Department will follow up with applicants to schedule an initial inspection. The required $5,000 license fee will not be collected until a full license is ready to be issued and will not be issued until payment is received.