Bill > HR0379

This Resolution directs the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Department of Financial & Professional Regulation to conduct a comprehensive study to determine if minority-owned businesses face any obstacles that hinder their fair participation in the legalized cannabis industry, which includes activities like growing, making, delivering, distributing, testing, and transporting cannabis. The study will examine historical and current government discrimination in related agricultural businesses, consider factors such as income, access to capital, past cannabis-related convictions, and community law enforcement experiences of those wanting to enter the industry, and analyze the processes for obtaining permits and licenses for both recreational and medical cannabis. The findings from this study will then be used by these departments and the General Assembly to address any identified inequalities and create clear guidelines and remedies to ensure fairness in the cannabis business, considering factors like numerical goals and the impact on others involved.