Headline RoundupJune 25th, 2019

Illinois Becomes Eleventh State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Freshman Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker (D) signed a bill to legalize the recreational use of cannabis on Tuesday. The signing was largely ceremonial, as Pritzker pushed legalization as a top priority during his 2018 campaign against incumbent Bruce Rauner. Rauner (R) famously legalized medicinal marijuana in Illinois during his only term as governor. The new bill would allow for licensed dispensaries to legally sell marijuana to anyone above the age of 21 and would increase the possession limit to 30 grams. Minor marijuana possession crimes, excluding distribution charges, can now be expunged through executive clemency. Large possession crimes can be vacated through the help of a state's attorney. Marijuana possession remains illegal in Illinois until Jan. 1st 2020, when the bill takes effect.

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