Illinois bill heading to Governor would aid small marijuana growers and suspend application fees for transporters

The Center Square by Andrew Hensel

Soon, a bill will be sent to the Governor. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, has made changes to licensing policies and the way cannabis is transported. Supporters say this is an attempt to bring equality to the industry.

Illinois has legalized adult cannabis since 2020. Despite the limited number of license holders, Illinois’ cannabis industry generated billions in sales, and hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue.

During a fall veto, lawmakers and advocates discussed an amendment that would make it easier for smaller growers to get licenses and to address the lack of transporter’s licenses.

Norine Hammond, state representative from Macomb (R), said that the amendment has three purposes, among which is reducing application fees.

Hammond stated that between January 2024 and 2027 there would be no application fees for transporters.

Cannabis groups have backed the bill, which has received little opposition from legislators.

Tiffany Ingram, of the Cannabis Business Association, explains her support for Senate Bill 1659.

Ingram stated that “we at the CBI support this measure, because we understand the way that transportation licenses are issued every year. We have come to the conclusion that the number of licenses being released does not match the amount of available work.” There is a structural problem.

Peter Contos, Cannabis Equity Illinois, said that the bill will clear the backlog of licensing.

Contos stated, “We have an extremely long backlog of drivers who are actively unable to find contracts or work.” “We’re just trying to ensure that we don’t add any more people to the queue.”

Pritzker can take further action on the bill after it has passed both chambers.

Illinois is the third largest cannabis market in the country.

The Center Square published this story first.