IDOA Cannabis Legislative Update

PA 103-578 (SB 1559- Ford/Lightford) imposes a moratorium on the issuance of an application for transporter licenses by the Department of Agriculture from January 1, 2023 until January 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill waives the renewal fee and license fee for transporters that are due from January 1, 2024 until January 1, 2027. The bill allows the Department to make changes to the application process by rule prior to the reinstatement of the application process in 2027 based on the results of the disparity study published by the Cannabis Regulation and Oversight Officer.  

What Does This Legislation Mean for Cannabis Transporters?

• The Department will not accept any new applications for Transporter licenses until March 2027.
• Transporter license and renewal fees that were incurred and owed under the CRTA prior to the January 1, 2024 fee waiver date must be paid in full since those fees were incurred prior to the January 1, 2024 waiver legislation.  The Department will continue to allow the fee obligations for fees incurred prior to January 1, 2024 to be paid in quarterly installments if the transporter licensee opted into the quarterly installment program.  Please keep in mind that these fees became due and payable in full prior to January 1, 2024, regardless of participation in transporter fee installment program.
• Transporter license and renewals fees with a due date falling on January 1, 2024, and before January 2, 2027 shall be waived. 
• Transporter license and renewals fees with a due date falling on or after January 2, 2027 shall be due and payable in full. 

If you have any questions regarding PA 103-578 that are not answered by this notice, please contact the Department using agr.adultuse@illinois.gov.