Illinois nears pot legalization

The US state of Illinois on Friday moved closer to legalizing marijuana for recreational use -- the first case in which US state lawmakers led the change.

In a bipartisan vote of 66-47, the lower House in the state capital Springfield approved the measure which, once signed by the governor, would make Illinois the first US state to start a recreational pot industry via the legislature rather than through initiatives approved by voters.

“This will have a transformational impact on our state, creating opportunity in the communities that need it most and giving so many a second chance,” Governor J.B. Pritzker said in his statement. Pritzker, a Democrat, campaigned on marijuana legalization and was due to sign the legislation that would take effect January 1.

Illinois residents age 21 and older would be allowed to legally possess 30 grams of cannabis, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate or 500 milligrams of THC contained in a cannabis-infused product.