INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS Illinois Two companies applying for cannabis business licenses in Illinois filed a lawsuit against regulators, claiming the lottery system for awarding permits was unconstitutional, biased and does not meet the state's goal to promote social equity in the industry. The plaintiffs, Champion Investments IL and Fox River Gardens, allege the state did not offer priority access for social equity applicants during marijuana retail store licensing and that the process subverted the purpose of the program designed to award the permits. Louisiana The state health department is set to allow hemp-derived delta-8 THC in food. Regulators told businesses that applications are open to register for licenses to make foods containing cannabinoids. " This includes the addition of food products containing CBD and delta-8 (THC) products, " the agency clarified. Louisiana health officials cited a new law that creates a new category for " consumable hemp, " which is defined as " any product derived from industrial hemp that contains any cannabinoids and is intended for consumption or topical use. " mjbizdaily.com | January 2022 25http://www.mjbizdaily.com