Growing up, the idea of running my own business seemed like an unattainable dream. I was raised to believe in hard work and perseverance, but for someone like me — a Black entrepreneur — the path to success was never clear or easy.
Today, I’m the proud owner of King of Flavors, a local business on the Chicago-Evanston border specializing in hemp-derived products, including delta-8 and THCA, for adults seeking alternative wellness options.
I’ve built my business by following every rule, paying my taxes, and going above and beyond to ensure our operations are legitimate and transparent. We go above and beyond in our efforts to require customers to be at least 21 to enter the store, and we sell products that are third-party tested, responsibly labeled and never marketed to appeal to children. We operate in full compliance with federal law, prioritizing safety and accountability at every step. My customers trust me because I’ve earned that trust by doing everything the right way.
But the recent push in Illinois to revive misguided legislation through House Bill 4293 risks wiping out an entire industry that provides healing, opportunity for others like me and economic growth for the communities we love. Sold to lawmakers and stakeholders as “regulation,” HB 4293 not only effectively bans all federally lawful hemp products, it gives marijuana corporations control of our entire industry.
This issue is deeply personal to me. Entrepreneurs in underserved communities already face significant hurdles such as systemic challenges and economic conditions that often work against us. House Bill 4293 would make it nearly impossible for small businesses like mine to compete and grow. If this bill passes, I will have to close up shop and my employees will have to look for jobs elsewhere.
My business isn’t just how I make a living — it’s proof that opportunity can exist for those who have historically been excluded from the system. Now, this legislation threatens to undo everything I’ve worked so hard to build and disregards the needs of my employees and customers.
I think of the father managing back pain who found relief without opioids, the young woman overcoming crippling anxiety, and the grandmother treating arthritis pain without heavy medications. Banning these products doesn’t protect anyone; it takes away safe, natural options that allow people to live better lives.
Yes, bad actors exist, and some sell untested or unsafe products, fueling long-held misconceptions and stigmas about our industry. I fully support thoughtful regulations to ensure safety and accountability. But HB 4293 is not the solution. It’s banning hemp altogether, ultimately punishing businesses that are already doing everything right.
Just as beer and wine are regulated differently but responsibly, while ensuring each is only available to customers over 21, we can create clear, separate regulations for hemp and marijuana. Both industries can safely coexist, and we can preserve the right for consumers to choose which products best meet their needs.
Black communities have time and again seen promises of opportunity go unrealized. Instead of empowerment, we’re met with policies that stifle innovation and eliminate jobs, knocking down the communities and entrepreneurs that should be uplifted.
I urge Illinois lawmakers to think about the real-world impact of their decisions on entrepreneurs, families, and neighborhoods. We can and must do better. Thoughtful, balanced regulations can protect consumers and allow businesses like mine to succeed. Illinois has an opportunity to get it right and address the needs of its people and the businesses working hard to serve them.
Chris Cobbs owns King of Flavors, a local retailer specializing in hemp-derived products.
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