lllinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced over the weekend that he’s reached an agreement with key lawmakers on a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state starting next year.
“This bill advances equity by providing resources and second chances to people and communities that have been harmed by policies such as the failed ‘war on drugs,'” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, however, is asking the people of Illinois to join him against the growing momentum of marijuana legislation in the state.
“There’s other ways to generate revenue, not on the backs of our kids and young adults who are going to be addicted and sucked into this,” said Moylan during a news conference outside the Thompson Center.
“They’re going to be growing it on the back porch and selling it on the front porch,” he added. “Listen, do you want this stuff in your neighborhood?” he questioned.
Chicago Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot however feels differently, calling it “an important step forward in creating a fair process for legalizing recreational marijuana.”
“More importantly, it allows Illinois the opportunity to put an end to a long overdue and unjust drug policy that has disproportionately affected Chicago’s black and brown neighborhoods for decades,” Lightfoot added.
