Sweet home, Chicago!
The men and women, some ex-felons, have turned to Tio "Mr. Ceasefire" Hardiman, executive director of Violence Interrupters, to assist them in their quest to secure permits, just like food vendors, to distribute and sell marijuana legally in their neighborhoods. For those who have felonies from illegal drug sales, they are requesting that Governor J.B. Pritzker clears the road for amnesty as soon as possible.
Hardiman and those seeking permits and amnesty will hold a rally and press conference outside The Herbal Care Center, 1301 S. Western Ave., on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at 10:30 AM, calling on Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot to assist them in getting permits.
"Everyone is promising to direct profits from the sale of marijuana into the communities that have been most impacted by the sale of illegal drugs," Hardiman said. "Well, these unemployed men and women are saying they can't wait until that happens. And to be frank, they don't believe it will happen. History shows those promises are never kept. The licensed cannabis businesses are already making millions of dollars from sales since January 1, and those citizens with the most experience in the industry are still in the streets unemployed."
