Illinois to Expunge Records of Nearly 800,000 People With Marijuana Convictions

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Gov. Pritzker is a Saint –

JUN. 27, 2019 – In the lead-up to this year’s election, Gov. Pritzker campaigned in support of legalizing recreational marijuana, insisting that from a financial standpoint, his law would funnel upwards of $1 billion per year into the state. Pritzker highlighted how the war on drugs was specifically hard on minorities whose lives were damaged as a result.

“The war on cannabis has destroyed families, filled prisons with nonviolent offenders, and disproportionately disrupted black and brown communities,” Pritzker said, per AP. “Law enforcement across the nation has spent billions of dollars to enforce the criminalization of cannabis, yet its consumption remains widespread.”

With licensed dispensaries, which could generate upwards $170 million next year alone, Pritzker wants to level the playing field in terms of ownership. That is why this bill includes the “social equity program” that would provide minorities with financial resources, and support such as low-interest loans, and grants.