Illinois is now the 11th state in the U.S. to legalize recreational marijuana.
Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the legalization bill into law on Tuesday, just a few weeks after the proposal was passed by the state legislature.
“With this legislation, our state once again is a leader, putting forward the most equity-centric cannabis legalization in the nation,” Pritzker said at the signing ceremony. Pritzker, who came into office in January, has long advocated for legalization and campaigned heavily on the issue.
The law — known as the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act — declares that cannabis will be "regulated in a manner similar to alcohol." Adults 21 years old and older will be able to legally purchase and possess up to 30 grams of marijuana and cannabis-infused products with up to 500 milligrams of THC.
The legislation also creates a framework for the expungement of non-violent, cannabis charges. Those charged with under 30 grams of marijuana will automatically have their cases reviewed through the governor's clemency program; individuals charged with 30 - 500 grams can submit petitions for the court to clear their records.
The state said that roughly 700,000 cases are eligible for expungement and 405,000 cases will be sent through the clemency process for automatic expungement.
"The time for justice is now, especially for communities of color who have long been disproportionately impacted by low-level cannabis convictions and the failed war on drugs,” Kim Foxx, the Cook County State's Attorney, said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure the broadest relief possible under this revolutionary law."
Illinois also made history for being the first state in the U.S. to legalize commercial cannabis through the state legislature, as opposed to a voter referendum.
The law allows licensed growers and sellers to operate up to three cultivation centers and 10 dispensaries. It also creates a $30 million low-interest loan program to help businesses enter the sector.
"This team effort sets a new standard for what cannabis reform can look like when undertaken with an openness to tough discussions, a commitment to strong outcomes and a willingness to do the hard work together," state Rep. Kelly Cassidy said in a statement. "We set out to do this differently and we did.”
Several other statehouses, including New York and New Jersey, have attempted and failed to pass legalization bills.
Illinois' law will go into effect on January 1, 2020.
Partha Unnava, Founder and CEO and Lasso, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss how the design behind these compression socks can prevent injuries and improve performance.
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: Vision Marine Technologies CEO discusses how e-boats will play a role in the fight against the climate crisis; Lasso CEO breaks down how the design behind these compression socks can prevent injuries and improve performance; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'The Tombs Of Egypt.'
Catriona Campbell, CTIO, UK and Ireland, EY, joins Cheddar News to discuss how business leaders can bridge the gap between their technology investments and their aspirations, and breaks down the human aspects of A.I.
Tens of thousands of people have fled Ukraine in attempts to escape the Russian Invasion. According to the U.N. neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary, and even Romania have seen half a million refugees. While the hospitality is being welcomed by many, it also highlights the mistreatment of migrants and refugees from the Middle East and Africa. Professor of Philosophy and Director of Politics at Northeastern University Serena Parekh, joined Cheddar, to discuss more.
New York's MTA unveiled a new plan to boost the safety for the Big Apple's public transit system to go into effect on the heels of a violent weekend on the subways. The six separate attacks follow a rise of 60 percent in violent subway crimes year to date. The plan will attempt to address the surge in violence, as well as separately offer services to the homeless found within the system, according to the transportation authority. Cheddar's Chloe Aiello explains.
On this episode of Cheddar Reveals, Kim Severson, National Food Correspondent, The New York Times, dives into some of the top trends in the food industry for the upcoming year; Renowned Harlem chef & restaurateur Melba Wilson discusses her inspirations and rise in the food industry, and giving back to her community through food; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'The History of Food.'
Kim Severson, National Food Correspondent, The New York Times, joins Cheddar Reveals to dive into some of the top trends in the food industry for the upcoming year.
Renowned Harlem chef & restaurateur Melba Wilson joins Cheddar to discuss her inspirations and rise in the food industry, and giving back to her community through food.
