The Associated Press (AP) reports that Illinois is likely to be the 11th state to allow small amounts of marijuana for recreational use.
They say the Democratic-controlled House sent a legalization plan on Friday to Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who campaigned on the issue.
AP says in the plan, those 21 and older would be able to buy marijuana at licensed dispensaries beginning next year due to a legislation approved vote of 66-47.
They say the measure allows the governor to pardon anyone with records of convictions for possession of 30 grams or less and eases record-clearing for possession up to one pound.
AP says minority-owned businesses in Illinois would be given advantages in bidding for state license and offered low-interest loans to compete.
“The state of Illinois just made history, legalizing adult-use cannabis with the most equity-centric approach in the nation. This will have a transformational impact on our state, creating opportunity in the communities that need it most and giving so many a second chance.” Pritzker said in a statement.
They say Illinois Democratic Rep. Anthony DeLuca had a different view, stating:
“No matter how you package this, whether it’s revenue, or it’s criminal justice reform, or it’s just saying that people are smoking it anyway, so just give up, I can pretty much guarantee you where we’re going to be in 10 years… and it’s not going to be good.”
AP says he then grabbed an egg and cracked it in to a frying pan, recreating the 1980's public service announcement that suggested a frying egg represents "your brain on drugs."
