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Sen. Hutchinson lauds House passage of cannabis bill

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) released the following statement this evening after voting in support of House Bill 1438, a proposal Hutchinson co-sponsored and was actively involved in negotiating that would legalize adult-use cannabis in Illinois.
 
“One of the things that we wanted to make sure we accomplished with legalization was ensuring we put social equity at the center and the heart of our efforts, acknowledging that while we normalize and legalize something that is happening across the country, that we tie the direct nexus to the communities that the prohibition has hurt the most.
 
“We are really proud of these provisions that enable us to study this new law, track any success or failures and give ourselves the time and information needed to self-correct if it doesn’t do what it is we expect it to do.”

Gov. JB Pritzker also released the following statement after the House passage of the bill.

“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. 

“I applaud bipartisan members of the General Assembly for their vote on this legislation and I especially want to thank the sponsors Senator Steans and Representative Cassidy, as well as Senator Hutchinson, Senator Aquino, Leader Gordon-Booth, Representative Villanueva, the Black and Latino Caucuses, and Senator Barickman and Representative Welter for their tremendous work to make legalization a reality. 

“In the interest of equity and criminal justice reform, I look forward to signing this monumental legislation.”
 

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