Ensuring Equity in Illinois’ Cannabis Industry: The Formation of the Cannabis Working Group
As marijuana legalization continues to spread across the United States, states are adapting their laws to ensure that cannabis businesses can operate safely and effectively. In Illinois, lawmakers are taking an extra step to ensure that the process remains equitable for all.
In 2019, the state of Illinois legalized recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and over, as well as allowing individuals with prior marijuana convictions to have their records expunged.[0] This paved the way for the launch of a new recreational cannabis market in the state, with adults now allowed to purchase up to three ounces of marijuana per transaction.
The legalization of recreational cannabis use has also opened the door for a new industry, with entrepreneurs now able to apply for a cultivator license. Cultivation must take place out of sight of the public or cultivators could face a penalty of up to $250 and be forced to surrender their plants.[1]
The newly formed cannabis industry is expected to be one of the country’s most profitable yet, with a study conducted in 2019 estimating that about 18% of U.S. adults use marijuana.[0] In 2022, Illinois recorded a record-high $1.5 billion of recreational cannabis sales, generating about $445 million in tax revenue.[2] A quarter of the taxes obtained from the sale of recreational cannabis are to be allocated to economically disadvantaged neighborhoods or those affected by the war on drugs.[3]
In order to ensure that the cannabis industry remains equitable, Illinois House Democrats have announced the formation of a cannabis working group.[3] This group will aim to steer the industry’s expansion in a business-friendly way while still upholding the equity goals of the legalization law.[4]
Representatives Evans and Ford have proposed House Bills 1436 and 1498, which would establish a cannabis oversight commission.[3] This commission would provide oversight of the cannabis industry and ensure that it remains equitable and accessible to all.[5]
As states adjust to the changing landscape of cannabis legalization, it is important to remember that the industry should remain accessible and equitable for all. With the formation of the cannabis working group, Illinois is taking the necessary steps to ensure that the industry remains just and operates safely.
0. “Cannabis News | Cannabis Blog | Herban Creative” herbancreativenj.com, 25 Feb. 2023, https://herbancreativenj.com/cannabis-news
1. “Recreational cannabis sales to start Feb. 6 | News …” www.thesalemnewsonline.com, 25 Feb. 2023, https://www.thesalemnewsonline.com/news/article_f7c2618e-a17e-11ed-971b-3713c6fb8fa4.html
2. “Illinois House Dems' cannabis working group will engage industry …” www.kpvi.com, 25 Feb. 2023, https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/illinois-house-dems-cannabis-working-group-will-engage-industry-equity-advocates/article_9243b158-e254-5d05-bf68-41868f6109cd.html
3. “House Dems' cannabis working group to engage industry | Local …” www.effinghamdailynews.com, 25 Feb. 2023, https://www.effinghamdailynews.com/news/local_news/house-dems-cannabis-working-group-to-engage-industry/article_7cf6f0f2-b4a0-11ed-9fdd-179f93151e15.html
4. “Bill advances to let firefighters use medical cannabis off-duty …” www.taosnews.com, 25 Feb. 2023, https://www.taosnews.com/news/politics/legislature-2023/bill-advances-to-let-firefighters-use-medical-cannabis-off-duty/article_71edb7d6-cf5c-5c37-9581-d2aa722917fa.html
5. “State Policy Weekly Update 2/22/2023 – NORML” norml.org, 25 Feb. 2023, https://norml.org/blog/2023/02/22/state-policy-weekly-update-2-22-2023/
