Harper Issues Statement After Pritzker, DCEO Award Loans to Social Equity Cannabis Dispensaries

CHICAGO — State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, issued the following statement after Gov. J.B. Pritzker, alongside the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, awarded $5.5 million in Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) to 23 licensed social equity dispensaries as part of the ongoing Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program.

“Opportunity has been a long time coming for cannabis social equity license holders throughout Illinois. Though I am pleased to see the state following through on its word to assist social equity license holders—who have been waiting for this help—we still have a long way to go in ensuring true social  and economic equity in the medical, recreational and hemp industries.

“Ensuring that communities devastated for generations by the failed war on drugs can now be full partners and beneficiaries in the vibrant and expanding cannabis and hemp industry is crucial, and failure to do so would undermine one of the chief benefits for which advocates and stakeholders have fought and sacrificed.

“For example, my district is still waiting to see licenses, dispensaries as well as already-approved grant money from programs which are fueled by cannabis tax revenue.

“Passing the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act and ensuring that it included measures to promote an equitable implementation required many days and weeks of tireless work by advocates, stakeholders and by my colleagues and I. That’s why I look forward to continued work with my colleagues in the General Assembly to ensure the state keeps its promises to these communities when it comes to equity in the cannabis industry and in the agriculture industry overall.”