Illinois Senate approves adult-use cannabis industry

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The Illinois Senate passed a recreational marijuana sales and taxation measure by a vote of 38-17 on Wednesday night.

The amended measure now goes to the state House for consideration.

Lawmakers must act before the legislative session ends Friday.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, set adult-use cannabis legalization as a priority, and the current measure is in large part a reflection of a plan he unveiled earlier this month.

If the measure is passed into law, Illinois would become the first state in the U.S. to legalize a commercial recreational marijuana program through its Legislature rather than via a ballot measure.

Vermont legalized adult use by legislative action, but that measure was limited to home grow, possession and use.

– Marijuana Business Daily and Associated Press