Chicago City Council Fails to Override Mayor's Veto of Hemp Product Sales Ban

The council was unable to gather enough votes to overturn Mayor Brandon Johnson's rejection of the proposed ban.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:55pm

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The Chicago City Council has failed to override Mayor Brandon Johnson's veto of a ban on the sale of most intoxicating hemp products. The council met to discuss multiple topics, including a moment of silence for the late civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson. While an attempt was made to resurrect the hemp product ban, it did not have enough votes for an override. The council also failed to pass an amendment that would have enforced 311 complaints made by Chicagoans to provide evidence of parking violations, but did approve an ordinance requiring the Department of Transportation to appear before the council 30 days before closing a bridge for repairs.

Why it matters

The failed override of the mayor's veto on the hemp product sales ban highlights the ongoing debate around the regulation of these products, particularly in relation to concerns about their impact on children. The council's other actions, such as the bridge closure transparency measure, demonstrate their efforts to address transportation and infrastructure issues in the city.

The details

The Chicago City Council met to discuss a variety of topics, including an attempt to override Mayor Brandon Johnson's veto of a ban on the sale of most intoxicating hemp products. While some council members argued the ban was necessary to protect children, others felt the government should properly regulate the products rather than banning them outright. The council also failed to pass an amendment that would have allowed Chicagoans to provide evidence of parking violations through 311 complaints, which one alderman said showed a disregard for traffic violence. However, the council did approve an ordinance requiring the Department of Transportation to appear before them 30 days before closing a bridge for repairs, in an effort to increase transparency and accountability.

  • The Chicago City Council met on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 to discuss these issues.

The players

Mayor Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago who vetoed the proposed ban on the sale of most intoxicating hemp products.

Alderman Anthony Beale

The 9th Ward alderman who argued in favor of the ban on hemp products, stating it was necessary to protect children.

Alderman Andre Vasquez

The 40th Ward alderman who opposed the ban, arguing that the government should properly regulate the products rather than banning them.

Alderman Daniel La Spata

The alderman who proposed the amendment to enforce 311 complaints made by Chicagoans to provide evidence of parking violations, which he said would address traffic violence in the city.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

The late civil rights icon whose influence and legacy were honored with a moment of silence at the council meeting.

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What they’re saying

“This particular ordinance was passed to protect children who are being fed and misled.”

— Alderman Anthony Beale, 9th Ward Alderman (abc7chicago.com)

“This is less about reefer madness and more about a government being be able to properly regulate something if they are going to allow it.”

— Alderman Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward Alderman (abc7chicago.com)

“It says that the current number who die annually due to traffic violence is acceptable. That number is around 100 a year. I think that I horrendous and gross and a dereliction of our duty to the city.”

— Alderman Daniel La Spata (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.