Chicago Voters To Embrace Cannabis Legalization

Chicago (AP): Voters in the Illinois county that includes Chicago have backed the recreational use of cannabis in a nonbinding referendum.

The question for Cook County voters asked if Illinois should legalize “the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, testing, and sale of marijuana and marijuana products for recreational use by adults 21 and older.”

With nearly all precincts counted, the “yes” vote carried the day, with 63.3% of ballots cast in favor of legalization. 36.7% of voters were against the idea.

Although the referendum is advisory only, the vote could help state lawmakers make their case in Springfield for the legalization of adult-use cannabis. Medical marijuana is already legal in Illinois.

Supporters of legalizing and taxing cannabis for adults contend it could boost revenue for state and local governments, as it has elsewhere. Opponents of legalization have raised questions about the social cost and subversion of federal laws.

(Sweedsy in no way encourages illegal activity and would like to remind its readers that marijuana usage continues to be an offense under Federal Law, regardless of state marijuana laws. To learn more, click here.)