Legislation has been approved by a Chicago City Council Committee to postpone the selling of recreational weed in Chicago. The Contracting Oversight and Equity Committee passed the proposed Act, which would bar purchases of recreational marijuana from coming into effect on New Years day. Instead of January 1st 2020, when the bill allowing the use of recreational marijuana comes into place, the sale and purchase of recreational marijuana is to be moved to a tentative date in July 2020.

In order for the legislation to take effect, it will have to pass the City Council, which it has yet to vote on.

On January 1st, nine medical marijuana dispensaries in Chicago issued recreational sales licenses from the same site. The Black Caucus of the city council is upset that Blacks, Hispanics and female business owners do not own any of those facilities.

“What we have seen here today is one step in the right direction. We are going to continue to work together and push for equity. In addition, we are looking forward to continue having ongoing discussions with the State and City. We thank our communities for providing us their support and being partners with us throughout these conversations.”

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot commented on this issue: “Since October, my team has been working with the members of the Aldermanic Black Caucus to accomplish just that. From changes to the zoning ordinance to the additions to the enforcement ordinance, we have been addressing the Caucus’s concerns since day one of this process and now, at a time when we can ensure cannabis becomes a galvanizing force for equity in Chicago, they move to delay its legalization by six months.”

The mayor went on to say that she has, “.. repeatedly asked the members of the Black Caucus to devise a strategy that addresses equity. Instead, we have primarily been met with a litany of complaints, but no tangible solutions. Crossing our arms and walking away is a tactic, not a strategy and is not only unacceptable but irresponsible. We have a tremendous opportunity to come together to do the work necessary to fulfill our vision of truly equitable legalization. Cannabis will be legalized across the State of Illinois starting on Jan. 1, and I have no intention of Chicago being left behind. It is unfortunate that the Black Caucus has chosen to remain on the sidelines.”