Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and state lawmakers agreed on a framework over the weekend to legalize the adult use of cannabis in Illinois by the start of next year.

CHICAGO—Over the weekend, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and some state lawmakers announced they had agreed on a framework to legalize the use of cannabis by adults in the state of Illinois by Jan. 1, 2020.

The measure, if enacted, would allow adults aged 21 and over to legally purchase cannabis for recreational use from licensed dispensaries and create what the governor called as the “most equity-centric law in the country.” The proposal would dramatically expand existing laws governing medical cannabis and was expected to be introduced as an amendment to Senate Bill 7 on Monday.

“Years of work by stakeholders across Illinois means that today we are putting forward a framework for the General Assembly to move forward this session to legalize adult use cannabis, and we welcome additional feedback and insight during this debate,” said Governor Pritzker. “From the outset, I made clear that any plan for adult use cannabis had to prioritize social justice and equity, and the approach we're taking starts righting some historic wrongs and opening up access to this new market with a $20-million loan program that will help qualified applicants from impacted communities.”