Chicago considers delaying recreational cannabis sales

Sales of adult-use marijuana in Chicago would begin July 1, not Jan. 1, like the rest of the state, if an ordinance passed by a City Council committee is adopted.

The committee voted to delay the sale of rec marijuana at the request of black aldermen seeking more diversity among cannabis store owners, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who could veto the ordinance if it’s passed by the full council, contends a six-month delay could increase illegal sales and reduce funding for planned social equity programs, according to the newspaper.