The Black Legislative Caucus: Illinois Cannabis in 2021

In this episode of the Cannabis Community Insider, Abraham Villegas, and Mark Peysakhovich talk to Illinois State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch about the rollout of Illinois’ adult-use cannabis program, the Black Legislative Caucus agenda, and what needs to be done in 2021.

Introduction 00:01

• “The Cannabis Community Insider” welcomes viewers to another episode focused on legislative topics.
• The show’s co-host, Mark Pacikovich, and Illinois State Representative Emmanuel “Chris” Welch join the show to discuss social equity updates and plans for 2021.

Representative Welch’s Background and Role 00:14

• Welch has been a supporter of medical cannabis since joining the legislature in 2013.
• He voted in 2014 for AHM 1, which created medical cannabis in Illinois.
• Welch was not one of the lead negotiators on the bill that legalized recreational cannabis in Illinois, but equity was a primary focus for him and his colleagues.
• Welch is the Chairman of the House Executive Committee and is on a shortlist of people who could become the next speaker of the house.

Equity in Cannabis Legalization 02:38

• Equity was a primary focus for Welch and his colleagues during the legalization of recreational cannabis in Illinois.
• Welch and others were disappointed by the results of the lottery in September 2020, which did not prioritize equity.
• Applicants for licenses have been “bleeding money” while waiting for movement, and investors are circling and waiting for discounts.
• Welch and others are demanding transparency and ensuring that equity is at the forefront of the program before a lottery is held.

Black Legislative Caucus Agenda 06:54

• The Black Legislative Caucus is working on a black agenda, and several cannabis-related issues are on that agenda.
• Welch and others hope to go down to Springfield for a lame duck session in January to make cleanups in statute to ensure equity.

Conclusion 07:21

• Welch and his colleagues are hoping to see real equity in the cannabis industry in Illinois.
• The Black Caucus is working on a black agenda that includes several cannabis-related issues.
• Welch and others hope to make cleanups in statute during a lame duck session in January to ensure equity.

Cannabis and the Black Legislative Caucus Agenda 10:36

• The Illinois Black Legislative Caucus has been working all summer long to develop a caucus agenda centered around four pillars: criminal justice reform, workforce development and equity opportunities, opportunities in healthcare and human services, and equity in cannabis.
• Cannabis fits squarely in the middle of the equity part of the agenda, and they have policy proposals that they plan to put forward to strengthen their ability to take advantage of this billion-dollar industry.
• The caucus wants to ensure that everyone benefits from the cannabis industry, not just those who are wealthier.
• They have been doing presentations and building support for a vote in January, meeting with the Urban League, the Joint Elected Black Caucus, and various other groups.
• Legislation is being drafted so that they are prepared for a lame duck session.

Cannabis as a Profitable Industry 12:19

• By the close of 2020, the sale of recreational cannabis in Illinois is expected to net the state a billion dollars.
• This is a very profitable industry, and the Illinois Black Legislative Caucus wants to make sure that everyone benefits from it.

Remote Legislating 09:22

• The Illinois Black Legislative Caucus is in favor of remote legislating.
• They hope that one of their first orders of business is to pass remote legislating, especially with experts projecting that January and February will be tough months for COVID-19.

Difficulties of Lame Duck Sessions and COVID-19 07:47

• There is concern about a lame duck session or even the early part of next year due to the projected surge in COVID-19 cases.
• December, January, and February are projected to be horrible months for COVID-19.
• The Illinois Black Legislative Caucus is watching the COVID-19 numbers closely.

The Black Legislative Caucus Agenda 10:36

• The Illinois Black Legislative Caucus has been developing a caucus agenda centered around four pillars: criminal justice reform, workforce development and equity opportunities, opportunities in healthcare and human services, and equity in cannabis.
• They have been doing presentations and building support for a vote in January.
• Legislation is being drafted so that they are prepared for a lame duck session.

The Need for Equity in Cannabis 11:24

• The Illinois Black Legislative Caucus believes that equity is needed in the cannabis industry.
• They want to make sure that everyone benefits from the cannabis industry, not just those who are wealthier.

Remote Legislating and COVID-19 09:25

• One of the first orders of business for the Illinois Black Legislative Caucus is to pass remote legislating.
• This is especially important with experts projecting that January and February will be tough months for COVID-19.

Social equity in Cannabis 18:22

• Social equity means real opportunity, not just a slogan.
• It is about giving people who otherwise wouldn’t have that opportunity the chance to be a part of something special.
• The goal is to create new wealth and provide opportunities for those who can’t afford access to it.
• Policymakers need help from organizations and advocates to make sure they get it right.
• Advocates should tell policymakers how to get it right when they go into a room and try to make fixes.

Process to review Cannabis applications 14:45

• There needs to be a better process for reviewing cannabis applications.
• Applicants should be allowed to address any alleged deficiencies.
• There should be ample opportunities to address letters of deficiency.
• Administrative review is an important opportunity.
• If the state doesn’t get it right, there should be an opportunity to go into the circuit court and have a judge take a look at what was done and make a determination of whether or not it was done correctly.
• There has to be some aspect of administrative review.

Addressing deficiencies in Cannabis applications 15:06

• There needs to be an opportunity to address letters of deficiency.
• Applicants should be allowed to address any alleged deficiencies.
• Some applicants didn’t get points for residency, and there needs to be a way to prove residency in the community.
• There needs to be a process that allows for someone who doesn’t have a perfect score to end up in a lottery.

Social equity applicants in Cannabis 17:23

• The focus should be on true social equity applicants.
• The definition of social equity was not related to minority status in any kind of way, but related to other measures.
• The goal is to give people who were locked up for years the opportunity to make money legally.
• The focus should be on creating new wealth and giving opportunities to people who couldn’t afford access to it.

Importance of diversity in contracting 17:50

• Diversity in contracting is important.
• Legislation should ensure that minority contractors are given business opportunities.
• There needs to be a way to legislate social equity down enough to where it will be acceptable to most people as true social equity.
• Minority communities need to have an opportunity to experience wealth creation.

Concerns from the community 21:43

• Some members of the community who applied for cannabis licenses had high expectations based on what they were told, but were disappointed with the results.
• The phones of legislators were ringing off the hook after a September announcement from the administration.
• While things have quieted down since then, some people are concerned that the governor is not hearing from them as much and is not sensitive to their pain.

Timing of licenses and disputes 22:42

• There are currently disputes over 75 licenses.
• Some people are talking about another 75 dispensary licenses coming online.
• The craft grow, infuser, and transport licenses are also in play.
• It is unclear when things will move forward, but the new czar is now in place and getting up to speed.

Citizen panel for social equity 25:12

• Some people are talking about the idea of a citizen panel being involved in determining social equity.
• While some people think this could reduce complaints from people who don’t win licenses, others think it’s important for a fair and honest process to be transparent.
• Advocacy groups need to be in agreement on what the process should look like, and push for transparency from the administration.

Diversity in the cannabis industry 27:21

• There are concerns about diversity in the cannabis industry, including diversity in the supply chain and on boards of directors.
• While the industry is still developing, there are questions about whether there should be a certification for a diverse supply chain.
• The speaker is a big advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Supplier Diversity 28:33

• The goal is to create new wealth by promoting diversity in the supply chains.
• Supplier diversity is important and has been promoted in various legislations filed by the representative.
• The cannabis industry is not escaping the importance of supply chain diversity.

Trailer Legislation 29:23

• The cannabis industry is a new space in Illinois, and there is going to be a lot of trailer legislation.

Advocacy and Activism 29:48

• The representative acknowledges that advocates and activists have played a crucial role in the legalization of the cannabis industry in Illinois.
• The fight is far from over, and it is essential to keep fighting and pushing the envelope.
• The representative thanks the advocates and activists for their work and encourages them to continue advocating for the industry.

Closing Remarks 30:22

• The advocates need champions, and the representative thanks them for being a champion.
• The representative encourages everyone to take care of themselves and follow the COVID-19 guidelines.
• The video ends with a thank you for joining the episode of The Cannabis Community Insider.