Illinois governor pardons 11,000 for low-level marijuana convictions
Democrat JB Pritzker says pardons represent first wave of thousands expected under state’s new marijuana legalization law
Democrat JB Pritzker says pardons represent first wave of thousands expected under state’s new marijuana legalization law
Illinois governor JB Pritzker granted more than 11,000 pardons for low-level marijuana convictions on Tuesday, describing the step as a first wave of thousands of such expungements anticipated under the state’s new marijuana legalization law.
The expungement process is a key part of the law, which takes effect on Wednesday and makes Illinois the 11th state to legalize marijuana for people 21 or older.
Lawmakers said they wanted to repair some of the damage caused by efforts to combat sale and use of the drug, particularly in minority communities.
Officials estimate 116,000 convictions for possession of 30g or less of marijuana are eligible for pardons under the new law.
“We are ending the 50-year-long war on cannabis,” Pritzker said. “We are restoring rights to many tens of thousands of Illinoisans
“We are ending the 50-year-long war on cannabis,” Pritzker said. “We are restoring rights to many tens of thousands of Illinoisans
People who have been convicted of offenses involving more than 30g of marijuana in Illinois can file court petitions to clear those records. Local prosecutors and legal aid organizations also can take that step. State officials estimate 34,000 records are eligible
Illinois regulators said 34 dispensaries have been issued licenses to sell recreational marijuana but not all plan to participate immediately. Industry leaders have warned consumers to expect long lines and potential shortages.
