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Illinois Becomes Latest US State to Legalize Recreational Pot

Agence France-Presse

   Illinois started the new year on a high note Wednesday, becoming the
   latest U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana as the governor
   pardoned thousands for past low-level cannabis convictions.

   The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act will allow residents 21 and older
   to legally purchase marijuana and will expunge thousands of
   individuals' criminal convictions throughout the state.

   "We are restoring rights to many tens of thousands of Illinoisans. We
   are bringing regulation and safety to a previously unsafe and illegal
   market. And we are creating a new industry that puts equity at its very
   core," Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said in a statement.

   On Tuesday night, Pritzker granted 11,017 pardons for people with
   low-level cannabis convictions, the first round of a planned total of
   more than 700,000.

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