FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 15, 2024 CONTACT: Gov.Press@illinois.gov
“When I took office, our state’s approach to cannabis consumption led to inequitable criminal accountability. Fast forward five years, and now we proudly boast one of the most efficient and thriving cannabis markets in the nation. Furthermore, we are inaugurating a pioneering research institute — financed through the legal sales of cannabis — geared towards transforming that antiquated and unjust system into a catalyst for community rejuvenation,” declared Governor JB Pritzker. “The Cannabis Research Institute will spearhead innovative research and comprehensive data analysis aimed at deepening our insights into cannabis, shaping the industry’s trajectory, and formulating informed policies that prioritize consumer safety, foster economic opportunities, and enhance community equity.”
The newly unveiled Cannabis Research Institute is a collaborative initiative between the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, operating under the auspices of DPI, a significant branch within the University of Illinois System. CRI is positioned to compile a substantial body of research and data, thus advancing public comprehension of both the scientific and socio-economic ramifications linked to cannabis use and cultivation.
“Illinois is setting the standard with innovative practices and initiatives in the realm of cannabis regulation. Our administration’s commitment to holistic reform underscores our vision of modernizing the state’s justice system to embrace healing-oriented methodologies,” remarked Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This groundbreaking initiative brings us closer to establishing an equitable cannabis sector and fostering a more just Illinois.”
The establishment of the CRI was officially proclaimed in 2022, aided by the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer. In an impressive development, the institute was granted a budget of $7 million in July 2024, to be distributed across three years, sourced from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) specifically allocated for research and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding of cannabis’s effects on individual and community levels.
In September, CRI inaugurated a cutting-edge laboratory situated in a repurposed COVID-19 testing facility located on Chicago’s west side at the Illinois Medical Center campus. This strategic site will serve as a crucial research foundation for ongoing studies.
Through its research endeavors, CRI aspires to be a reliable and impartial source of accurate information, focusing on agricultural practices, health implications, and the societal impact of cannabis policies. As part of its community engagement initiative, CRI plans to host events during the upcoming winter and spring seasons to gather input on research focus areas.
###
What specific initiatives will the Cannabis Research Institute undertake to ensure equitable access to the benefits of cannabis research for all communities in Illinois?
**Interview with Governor JB Pritzker on the Launch of Illinois’ Cannabis Research Institute**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Governor Pritzker. It’s exciting to hear about the new Cannabis Research Institute being launched in Illinois. Can you tell us what prompted the establishment of this institute?
**Governor Pritzker:** Thank you for having me. When I took office, Illinois faced significant challenges related to cannabis consumption and criminal accountability. We recognized that the previous system was not only inequitable, but also detrimental to many communities. Over the last five years, we’ve worked hard to create a legal and thriving cannabis market that prioritizes equity and community rejuvenation. The Cannabis Research Institute is a natural progression of that effort, blending economic growth with a commitment to social justice.
**Editor:** That’s impressive. Can you elaborate on how the funding from legal cannabis sales will support the institute’s activities?
**Governor Pritzker:** Certainly! The revenue generated from legal cannabis sales will be channeled directly into the Cannabis Research Institute. This funding will allow us to conduct comprehensive research and data analysis, which is crucial for understanding the impacts of cannabis on both society and the economy. It will also enable us to develop informed policies that prioritize consumer safety, promote economic opportunities, and enhance community equity.
**Editor:** Many people are curious about the research focus of the institute. What areas will the Cancer Research Institute be exploring?
**Governor Pritzker:** The institute will delve into a broad range of topics related to cannabis use and cultivation. This includes scientific research on the health effects of cannabis, economic analyses of market trends, and studies on the social impact of legalization. By compiling extensive data, we hope to inform public understanding, shape the industry’s trajectory, and lead to policies that not only protect consumers but also benefit all communities in Illinois.
**Editor:** This sounds like a transformative initiative. How do you envision the impact of this research on the community?
**Governor Pritzker:** Our goal is to turn what was once viewed as an unjust system into a force for positive change. By focusing on research that addresses both the benefits and potential risks associated with cannabis, we can create a more informed public. Ultimately, this will lead to better policy-making, which in turn will foster economic opportunities and empower our communities—especially those disproportionately affected by past cannabis laws.
**Editor:** Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for sharing your vision for the Cannabis Research Institute. It’s clear that Illinois is taking a progressive approach to cannabis policy and community support.
**Governor Pritzker:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important initiative. Together, we can ensure that cannabis legalization works for all our residents.
