Illinois lawmakers form new Cannabis working group to boost industry growth and equity focus
Illinois lawmakers form new cannabis working group to boost industry growth and equity focus
Marijuana Moment reports that a cannabis working group has been formed in Illinois that is aiming to direct the industry’s expansion in a business-friendly way, while still satisfying the equity goals of the landmark 2019 legalization law.
According to the publication, the working group’s main priority is to ensure early investors in the industry are successful, part of which will be addressing the disproportionate impact the war on drugs had on communities of colour.
State policy will also be developed to become more accommodating to the industry from a business perspective.
Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, who will be leading the group, told the publication: “We have to make sure that we legislate with the industry because they are the investors. If we could empower the businesses, it’s going to mean more revenue, and we’re going to realize what we intended for the [cannabis legalization] law to do. And that is increase employment, develop communities, reduce crime in the state.”
