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 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?

  1. Revenue Potential in Illinois:

    • A dynamic market poised to generate $30 million in annual sales in its first year in Illinois alone.

    • The state could earn over $2.4 million annually in taxes and licensing fees.
       

  2. Nationwide Scalability:

    • With nationwide adoption, ornamental hemp could scale into a $1 billion industry by capturing a share of the $10 billion U.S. houseplant market.

    • Illinois growers and businesses could export products to other states, leveraging their position as early adopters of this innovative market.
       

  3. Low Barrier to Entry:

    • 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.

    • Minimal start-up costs, compared to consumptive cannabis cultivation, allow for faster entry and wider participation.
       

  4. Broad Market Appeal:

    • Ornamental hemp products like Cannabonsai, table plants, and decorative greens appeal to both cannabis and non-cannabis consumers.

    • Expansive sales channels include plant shops, garden centers, wellness boutiques, apothecaries, coffee shops, and cannabis-friendly venues.
       

  5. Horticulture as a Lifestyle:

    • More plants in homes, gardens, and community spaces promote a greener lifestyle, enhance air quality, and foster a deeper connection to nature.

Statewide Economic Impact

Nationwide Potential Scaling Ornamental Hemp Across The US

  1. Capturing Market Share:

    • 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.
       

  2. Job Creation Nationwide:

    • 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.
       

  3. Tax Revenue at Scale:

    • Projected federal and state tax revenue: $125 million annually from sales tax, excise tax, and licensing fees.
       

  4. Export Opportunities:

    • The U.S. could establish itself as a global leader in ornamental hemp exports, creating a lucrative trade opportunity for domestic growers and retailers.

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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  1. License Categories:

    • Cultivation License: $2,500 annually for small-scale growers.

    • Retail License: $1,500 annually for plant shops, garden centers, and wellness boutiques.

    • Distribution License: $2,000 annually for wholesalers supplying retailers and lounges.
       

  2. Taxation:

    • Standard state sales tax (6.25%).

    • Ornamental hemp excise tax (3%).
       

  3. Regulatory Simplicity:

    • Oversight by the Illinois Department of Agriculture using existing industrial hemp frameworks.

    • 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

  1. Year 1: Pilot Program (Illinois)

    • Approve licenses for 100 growers, 300 retailers, and 50 distributors.

    • Launch in urban hubs (Chicago, Springfield, Rockford) and suburban retail locations.
       

  2. Year 2–3: Statewide Expansion

    • Scale to 1,500 retail outlets, 500 growers, and expand sales to cannabis lounges, garden centers, and wellness spaces statewide.

    • Introduce marketing campaigns to normalize ornamental hemp as a stylish and sustainable lifestyle product.
       

  3. Year 4+: National Leadership

    • Advocate for federal adoption of ornamental hemp regulations.

    • 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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