Illinois Sells $3.2 Million Worth Of Marijuana On First Day Of Legalisation

The state of Illinois has raked in a not-too-shabby $3,176,256.71 (£2,429,788) from over 77,000 transactions in just one day following the launch of legal marijuana sales.

Wednesday was the first day that recreational cannabis was legal and accessibly and state officials said that the average purchase was for around $200 (£153).

According to Forbes, on the 1 January 2020 people became able to purchase cannabis without a prescription from a state-approved dispensary as long as they are 21 years or older⁠ - and non-residents are allowed to buy the drug, but in smaller quantities than residents.

Toi Hutchinson, senior adviser to Governor JB Prtizker for cannabis control, said: "As we start a new decade, Illinois has achieved a monumental milestone - launching the legalization of cannabis in a way that includes communities left behind for far too long, creates good jobs and expunges thousands of records for those who have lost out on opportunities and ends prohibition.

"Today is a historic new day, and as we move forward with growing this industry, I thank all those who worked hard to make the launch a success and will continue to dedicate themselves to expanding opportunities and righting the wrongs of the past."

PA

On Wednesday, people came out for the first day of the legal weed sales, with videos being posted on to social media showing hundreds of people standing outside dispensaries in a bid to get their hands on some cannabis.

Governor JB Prtizker has also pardoned over 11,000 people with prior marijuana convictions as part of the new law and over 700,000 people who have been arrested due to the drug could have their records wiped as well.

According to CNN, states such as Colorado and California saw similar scenes on their first days of sales back in 2014 and 2018 respectively.

Illinois is the 11th US state to legalise the sale of cannabis to adults for recreational purposes. Other states include Alaska, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

Topics: News, US News, Cannabis

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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