
The Future Ornamental
ECONOMY
A Unique Opportunity For Illinois
Proposal: Establishing an Ornamental Hemp Industry in Illinois
Promoting Horticulture, Accessible Entrepreneurship, and Nationwide Economic Growth
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Executive Summary
Illinois has the opportunity to pioneer a new economic vertical: ornamental hemp. By creating a specialized licensing program for cultivating, retailing, and distributing hemp plants (THC ≤ 0.3%) for decorative purposes, Illinois can establish itself as the epicenter of a low-cost, high-impact industry that promotes horticulture, creates accessible entrepreneurial opportunities, and positions the state as a national leader in innovation.
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This initiative will generate over $30 million in annual sales statewide, create a low barrier to entry for small businesses, and catalyze urban and rural renewal. With the ability to scale nationwide, ornamental hemp could grow into a $1 billion industry across the United States, boosting local economies and expanding market opportunities for farmers, retailers, and entrepreneurs.​
The Opportunity of Ornamental Hemp?
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Revenue Potential in Illinois:
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A dynamic market poised to generate $30 million in annual sales in its first year in Illinois alone.
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The state could earn over $2.4 million annually in taxes and licensing fees.
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Nationwide Scalability:
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With nationwide adoption, ornamental hemp could scale into a $1 billion industry by capturing a share of the $10 billion U.S. houseplant market.
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Illinois growers and businesses could export products to other states, leveraging their position as early adopters of this innovative market.
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Low Barrier to Entry:
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Affordable licenses starting at $1,500 for retail and $2,500 for cultivation make ornamental hemp accessible to urban entrepreneurs, small businesses, and rural farmers.
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Minimal start-up costs, compared to consumptive cannabis cultivation, allow for faster entry and wider participation.
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Broad Market Appeal:
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Ornamental hemp products like Cannabonsai, table plants, and decorative greens appeal to both cannabis and non-cannabis consumers.
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Expansive sales channels include plant shops, garden centers, wellness boutiques, apothecaries, coffee shops, and cannabis-friendly venues.
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Horticulture as a Lifestyle:
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More plants in homes, gardens, and community spaces promote a greener lifestyle, enhance air quality, and foster a deeper connection to nature.
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Statewide Economic Impact
Nationwide Potential Scaling Ornamental Hemp Across The US
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Capturing Market Share:
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The U.S. houseplant market generates over $10 billion annually. Ornamental hemp could capture 10% of that market, equating to $1 billion in annual sales.
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Job Creation Nationwide:
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If 10,000 growers, 50,000 retailers, and thousands of distributors participate across the U.S., the industry could create over 100,000 jobs in cultivation, retail, marketing, and logistics.
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Tax Revenue at Scale:
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Projected federal and state tax revenue: $125 million annually from sales tax, excise tax, and licensing fees.
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Export Opportunities:
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The U.S. could establish itself as a global leader in ornamental hemp exports, creating a lucrative trade opportunity for domestic growers and retailers.
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Accessibility: A New Path to Entrepreneurship
Breaking Down Barriers
Affordable Licensing: Compared to cannabis consumption licenses, ornamental hemp licenses are affordable and inclusive.
Ease of Entry: No need for complex extraction equipment or large-scale grow facilities, making it ideal for micro-growers and small businesses.
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Empowering Urban and Rural Entrepreneurs
Urban entrepreneurs can transform vacant lots, rooftops, and small spaces into thriving grow operations.
Rural farmers gain a new, low-risk revenue stream that complements traditional agriculture.
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Diverse Sales Channels
Retail outlets include plant shops, garden centers, apothecaries, wellness stores, coffee shops, and cannabis lounges, ensuring steady demand and wide visibility.
Ornamental Hemp Licensing Program, a truly accessible entry into the industry
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License Categories:
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Cultivation License: $2,500 annually for small-scale growers.
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Retail License: $1,500 annually for plant shops, garden centers, and wellness boutiques.
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Distribution License: $2,000 annually for wholesalers supplying retailers and lounges.
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Taxation:
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Standard state sales tax (6.25%).
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Ornamental hemp excise tax (3%).
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Regulatory Simplicity:
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Oversight by the Illinois Department of Agriculture using existing industrial hemp frameworks.
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Minimal regulatory burden, focusing on THC compliance and plant health standards.
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Call to Action
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Illinois to redefine its leadership in horticulture, cannabis, and entrepreneurship.
By spearheading the ornamental hemp industry, Illinois can set the stage for a nationwide movement that creates jobs, drives economic growth, and puts plants at the center of modern living.
Let’s make Illinois the home of ornamental hemp and build a greener, more prosperous future—one plant and one community at a time.
For more information, contact:
Joshua Hernandez
Founder, BonsaiBakery.com
Email: josh@bonsaibakery.com
Website: www.BonsaiBakery.com
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Year 1: Pilot Program (Illinois)
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Approve licenses for 100 growers, 300 retailers, and 50 distributors.
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Launch in urban hubs (Chicago, Springfield, Rockford) and suburban retail locations.
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Year 2–3: Statewide Expansion
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Scale to 1,500 retail outlets, 500 growers, and expand sales to cannabis lounges, garden centers, and wellness spaces statewide.
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Introduce marketing campaigns to normalize ornamental hemp as a stylish and sustainable lifestyle product.
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Year 4+: National Leadership
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Advocate for federal adoption of ornamental hemp regulations.
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Host industry trade shows, position Illinois as the ornamental hemp capital, and establish partnerships with other states to expand the market.
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