The Democratic-led Senate in Illinois has approved legalized recreational marijuana use this week.
The panel voted 38-17 to approve the drug for recreational purposes and Governor J.B. Pritzker was thrilled with the vote.
“Illinois is poised to become the first state in the nation that put equity and criminal justice reform at the heart of its approach to legalizing cannabis, and I’m grateful that the Senate has taken this important step with a bipartisan vote. Senators Steans and Hutchinson have done tremendous work to reach this point, and I encourage the House to take decisive action to make Illinois a national leader in equity and criminal justice reform.”
The bill must now be approved by the House and the Governor. If approved it would mean that those who are 21 and older in the state will be allowed to legally buy marijuana from licensed dispensaries. Residents will also be able to possess up to once ounce (30 grams), and up to 15 grams for non-residents.
