Gov. JB Pritzker quietly signed a sweeping new framework into law to regulate hemp-derived THC products, effectively integrating much of Illinois' intoxicating hemp market into the state's cannabis regulatory system.

Why it matters: The new law effectively ends the unlicensed retail market for most THC hemp products and potentially reshapes where hemp-derived THC beverages can be sold.

State of play: The new Illinois Hemp Act zeroes in on Delta-8 and other intoxicating hemp products, recategorizing them under the state's regulated adult-use cannabis market and likely moving them into the same retail system as legal cannabis products.

• Previously, intoxicating hemp products could be sold in gas stations, smoke shops and liquor stores without being subject to the same regulations as legal cannabis.
• The law also bans the sale of intoxicating hemp to anyone under the age of 21.

Between the lines: The one gray area is intoxicating hemp drinks, which have exploded in popularity. They are now sold in liquor stores, grocery stores, at the United Center and even on Target shelves.

• Whether those products can continue to be sold through traditional retail channels after the law takes effect remains one of the most pressing unanswered questions.

Zoom out: For years, it has been a legislative battle to regulate hemp at both the state and city levels.

• At the federal level, the Trump administration has given Congress until November to work out a new law regulating hemp products or they will be permanently banned.

Friction point: While cannabis industry reps applaud the new law, pro-hemp Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association's Craig Katz said in a statement that "it favors one industry over another and will likely make it tough for thousands of small businesses to continue to employ Illinoisans and pay taxes."

Go deeper

👋🏼 Hey, it's Monica.

I recently learned that both of Illinois' major party candidates for lieutenant governor are massive foodies, so I sat down with each to test their local culinary bona fides.

Driving the news: This spring, GOP candidate Aaron Del Mar brought his downstate gubernatorial running mate, Darren Bailey, to Chicago spots for hot dogs and pizza to help mend fences — and bridge the Cook County- downstate divide.

Dig in: After chatting with Democratic candidate Christian Mitchell at the Billy Goat Tavern, I breakfasted at Wishbone with Del Mar — a wrestler, mixed martial artist and serial entrepreneur — to talk food and a little politics.

Catch up quick: Half Filipino "and half Marquette Park," Del Mar grew up on the Northwest Side until his family moved to Palatine when he was in elementary school.

• Many were surprised when Del Mar, who was generating buzz for his own gubernatorial campaign, agreed to join the Bailey ticket.
• After an "awkward and a little hostile meeting," Del Mar says, "We realized we weren't that far apart on some things and would make a unique team" — one that capitalized on his Cook County acumen, including his well-honed local food knowledge.

Top picks: Del Mar offered his faves in various categories, including:

• Wishbone, where he ordered Cajun shrimp and grits, "but normally, I get a side of fried catfish with it, which I think is great."
• Tacos: Taco Shop in Palatine.
• Korean: Mr. Kimchi in Mount Prospect, "for all-you-can-eat BBQ and birthday parties."

Dig into more picks

🎤 The Obama Presidential Center dropped its lineup for Thursday's grand opening, and it's stacked. (Axios)

Police are holding a person of interest in last week's Grant Park cross-burning. The man said he did it to protest President Trump. (Block Club)

🍎 McDonald's is bringing back its fried apple pie. The cult favorite hasn't been on the menu in 34 years. (NBC 5)

American Girl turns 40 this year, and Chicago has played an integral role in the toy company's evolution.

Driving the news: A new book, "The Making of American Girl", tells the story of the doll company, including the Chicago store on Michigan Avenue —the company's first.

Flashback: Wisconsin educator Pleasant Rowland launched American Girl in 1986 to teach U.S. history with period-specific dolls and accompanying books to tell the dolls' stories.

State of play: American Girl opened in Chicago in 1998 at 111 E. Chicago Ave.

• The store, which is also a café, salon and doll clinic, moved to Water Tower in 2008.

Zoom in: The American Girl store was ahead of its time in creating an experiential family destination, a concept that's become more common with places like CAMP Chicago and Harry Potter.

💭 Carrie's thought bubble: Everyone I knew wanted an American Girl doll when we were kids. I got Molly (maybe because she had glasses like me?) and my mom still has her. I do remember enjoying the books, but getting more into "The Baby-Sitters Club" series.

More history

👋 Hey, It's Monica. This season I've started working out like a Cubby — or at least close to Wrigley Field.

State of play: I've been hitting the free 7am yoga, Pilates, cardio dance and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes on the artificial turf at Gallagher Way next to the Friendly Confines.

• And I love it!

Hot tips: Sign your safety waiver before you arrive to save time.

• Bring a water bottle, towel and mat on Pilates, dance and yoga days. You don't need a mat for HIIT.
• Take a bike or CTA if possible, as parking can be limited.
• Check the Gallagher Way socials to see if classes are canceled for special events or weather.

Friction point: Some yogis might not dig the sounds of generators, semi-trucks and leaf blowers during class.

If you go: The Gallagher Way Fitness Series offers Pilates on Monday, yoga on Tuesday and Thursday, HIIT on Wednesday and cardio dance on Friday through Oct. 2.

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