Illinois started the new year on a high note Wednesday, becoming the latest United States state to legalize recreational marijuana, as the governor pardoned thousands for past low-level cannabis convictions. According to the statement, the new law will use 25% of the state’s cannabis revenue to help “the communities hit hardest” by the earlier crackdown on marijuana. Illinois is the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana, along with Washington, DC. A study by the federal Centers for Disease Control published in August found that states that legalize recreational marijuana see a reduction of at least 20% in fatalities linked to opioid overdoses. ADVERTISEMENTMarijuana legalization has also been shown to improve a state’s economic activity, creating jobs and bringing in new tax revenue.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 02, 2020 09:56 UTC