We are asking the residents of Antioch to stand united with us against the Village's proposed ban on liquor and tobacco retailers from selling Delta-8 THC and Kratom products. This ordinance puts our livelihood at stake as a small family business, which is both minority and female-owned. Our business provides employment opportunities to the community and also contributes to local sales tax revenue. Banning these federally legal products within our village will result in a significant loss of customers and revenue, as they are readily available in neighboring towns. It also increases the possibility of illicit markets being formed or products being sold illegally, whereas we strictly follow all legal guidelines and require identification from all customers to verify age.

Furthermore, this ban infringes on consumers' freedom of choice, impacting those who use these products for pain management, anxiety relief, depression, and responsible recreational use. A Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine survey on Kratom usage [1] found that:

• Average Kratom users were 40 years of age, 61% women, and 84% college educated.
• 41% used Kratom to treat opioid dependence, with 87% reporting relief from withdrawal symptoms and 35% being opioid free after a 1 year. Medical researchers also concluded that Kratom has a lower rate of harm than prescription opioids.
• Less than <3% of users met criteria for moderate or severe substance use disorder compared to 8-12% for opioid users.

Additionally, a study led by researchers at the University of Buffalo and the University of Michigan in 2022 and published in the National Library of Medicine [2] found that Delta-8-THC may provide much of the experiential benefits of Delta-9-THC with lesser adverse effects. The PhD Researchers were also quoted in an article [3] stating that "We found that people who are utilizing delta-8-THC feel fewer negative side effects, and they are using it in modalities that are safer, like vaping or edibles or using topically.”This ban not only endangers local businesses like ours, but also denies consumers access to legal products within their community. Let us join forces against this unjust proposal, which jeopardizes our livelihoods and consumer rights.

Voice your concern regarding this new ordinance to the Village of Antioch (847) 395-1000.

Attend the meeting on Wednesday, November 8th at 6:30 pm where the vote will be taking place by the Village Board of Trustees.

Meeting Address:
Village of Antioch
874 Main St
Antioch, IL 60002
USA

We urge all Antioch residents to sign this petition to protect our businesses and uphold the rights of our fellow residents.

Resources

• Johns Hopkins Medical Survey: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2020/02/natural-herb-kratom-may-have-therapeutic-effects-and-relatively-low-potential-for-abuse-or-harm-according-to-a-user-survey
• National Library of Medicine Publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34980292/
• University of Buffalo Article on Study: https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2022/01/009.html