State Rep. Harper Statement on Recreational Marijuana Legalization

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, issued the following statement on the passage of House Bill 1438, which legalizes adult-use recreational cannabis in Illinois:

“I’m proud to have worked together with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana in Illinois. This measure represents an intensive effort to put restorative and racial justice at the forefront of public policy to help remedy decades of intergenerational harm that has been done to primarily black and brown communities by the War on Drugs.

“This measure addresses the concerns of a wide range of constituencies, including the business community and law enforcement, while offering real criminal justice reform. Illinoisans who were previously convicted of certain cannabis-related offenses will now be eligible to have those convictions expunged, which is critical to securing jobs and housing.

“This bill also delivers a significant investment from revenue generated by cannabis sales towards community building and economic development programs in areas that have historically faced a lack of investment. There will also be a social equity program to create businesses opportunities within the marijuana industry for these disinvested communities.

“This measure will serve as a national model for how to create a recreational cannabis program that works by lifting up disinvested communities and creating new opportunities for local small businesses. Thanks to this legislation, Illinois will have more jobs, shared economic growth, and will become a more just state.”

Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, Marquette Park, South Loop and River North.