Illinois Legislature Passes Cannabis Legalization! Poised to Be Number 11.
The Illinois Legislature made history today becoming the second state legislative body to pass a bill repealing cannabis prohibition, joining the great state of Vermont. However, Illinois went one step further than the Green Mountain State by also legalizing regulated cannabis commerce. The historic piece of legislation now heads to Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk and the governor has stated that he will sign the bill, making the Prairie State the 11st state to legalize cannabis. The Land of Lincoln will become the second-largest state overall and the first in the Midwest to end their war on marijuana, giving the momentum to implement a common sense federal policy a big boost.
The state of Illinois just made history, legalizing adult-use cannabis with the most equity-centric approach in the nation.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) May 31, 2019
In the interest of equity and criminal justice reform, I look forward to signing this monumental legislation.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) May 31, 2019
The Chicago Tribune reported:
“Prohibition hasn’t built communities. In fact, it has destroyed them,” said Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, who worked with Chicago Democratic Sen. Heather Steans for more than two years to craft the bill. “It is time to hit the reset button on the war on drugs.”
The bill takes effect Jan. 1 and would allow residents age 21 and older to legally possess 30 grams of cannabis, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate or 500 milligrams of THC contained in a cannabis-infused product. Nonresidents could possess 15 grams of cannabis.
It would also create a licensed cultivation and dispensary system while directing Pritzker to pardon people with past convictions for low-level pot possession.
Bringing more freedom, jobs, and revenue to Illinois is a tremendous victory for the state and its impact will be felt far beyond its borders. Surrounding states like Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas, and Iowa, are now more likely to end cannabis prohibition in the near future and we’ve likely added more members of Congress who will fight for banking access, 280e tax reform, and states’ abilities to pass their own cannabis laws without federal interference. It is important for cannabis advocates to celebrate our victories to keep our activist fire burning, and the great state of Illinois gave us a big reason to celebrate today.
To learn the latest about cannabis policy and to network with top advocates, investors, and entrepreneurs, the International Cannabis Business Conference is the event to be. Join us in Vancouver, Canada, this September 15-16. Get your discounted, early-bird tickets by August 21 to save.
