Smoking up for fun might soon be legal in Illinois.
Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to sign the into law after the legislation passed the state’s House 66-47 on Friday. The state Senate approved the measure earlier in the week.
“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 tweet.
Residents 21 and older will be able to buy marijuana at licensed dispensaries, making it the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana.
“Prohibition hasn’t built communities,” said state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Democrat, told the Chicago Tribune. “In fact, it has destroyed them. It is time to hit the reset button on the war on drugs.”
Residents would be allowed to possess 30 grams of cannabis, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, or 500 milligrams of THC in a cannabis-infused product under the law, which would go into effect Jan. 1.
“I applaud the General Assembly for passing this important legislation to bolster our state’s workforce and business community,” said Pritzker. “I look forward to signing these bills into law and unlocking Illinois’ limitless potential.”
State Rep. Tom Morrison, a Republican who opposed the legislation, said the state isn’t prepared.
“Our law enforcement agencies do not support this. They are not ready for this and don’t have the capabilities to enforce this,” he said in a statement.
