A group of Chicago activists are asking the state of Illinois to create a new cannabis license that will allow aspiring entrepreneurs to sell weed in public places. Currently, all state-approved cannabis products can only be sold from a licensed dispensary or retail store.<\/p>\n
The activists, led by violence interrupter<\/u><\/a> Tio \u201cMr. Ceasefire\u201d Hardiman, proposed the so-called \u201cpeddler\u2019s license\u201d as a way to guarantee social equity in a new industry already dominated by wealthy Caucasians. They also believe the license will reduce gun violence in the Windy City, which is often triggered by drug deals gone bad and hustlers encroaching on others\u2019 turf.<\/p>\n \u201cThis way you can take the criminal element out of [selling marijuana] and allow these young guys to make some legal money,\u201d Hardiman said at a press conference<\/u><\/a> held just outside of a Near West Side cannabis store on Wednesday. \u201cAnd then you can help reduce unemployment in the African-American community.\u201d <\/p>\n Crime likely won\u2019t vanish just because people can legally sling weed on the streets. Furthermore, Illinois\u2019s legalization program includes social equity provisions, which prioritizes some cannabis licenses and tax-funded business loans for former pot convicts and those residing in impoverished areas targeted by the cops. Hardiman added that the proposed peddler\u2019s license will ensure that Chicagoans who live in the toughest neighborhoods most affected by the drug war can make some legitimate tender under legalization, as well. <\/p>\n