Gov. Pritzker Greets Democratic National Convention Delegates, Visitors With Billboard: 'Illinois Democrats Legalized Marijuana'

As thousands of visitors and delegates streamed into Chicago for the Democratic National Convention that kicked off on Monday, they were met by billboards, sponsored by Gov. J.B. Pritzker's campaign, pointing out that Illinois legalized cannabis under Democratic leadership.

The message is clear: cannabis reform is a key issue for many voters heading into the November 2024 election.

The billboards, first reported by Marijuana Moment, are displayed just outside of the downtown Chicago area and labeled as paid for by Pritzker's political campaign. They remind visitors that "Illinois Democrats Legalized Marijuana" referring to the state's 2019 cannabis legislation signed by Pritzker. This strategic messaging aligns with the DNC’s broader agenda as it prepares to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race, following President Joe Biden‘s decision in July not to run.

24 hours into Chicago and I think the most American experience I've had so far is not knowing if this billboard is positive or an attack ad pic.twitter.com/Yc7m6W8wT4

— ℳatt (@matttomic) August 18, 2024

Read Also: Kamala Harris, Tim Walz Form First Explicitly Pro-Cannabis Legalization Presidential Ticket In History

This move by Pritzker, who is not up for reelection until 2026, underscores the party's push to leverage cannabis reform as an important electoral issue. Marijuana Moment’s Kyle Jaeger said the outlet contacted Pritzker's office for comment, “but a representative was not immediately available.”

Pro-Cannabis Presidential Ticket

Harris and her running mate Governor Tim Walz from Minnesota are both supporters of cannabis legalization and expungement.

Harris has said on various occasions that “No one should go to jail for smoking weed.” She backed those words up in 2018 when she co-sponsored Sen. Cory Booker‘s (D-NJ) Marijuana Justice Act, which would legalize cannabis at the federal level.

Walz signed legal marijuana into law in May 2023, after which Minnesota undertook a social equity program to include those who are often left out of the lucrative weed industry.

There is no doubt that cannabis legalization is on the collective minds of many Americans. After all, seven in 10 voters, including a majority of Republicans, support legalizing marijuana, according to a May Fox News poll.

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Speaking of Chicago, the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is being held there on Oct. 8-9. Get your tickets now before prices go up by following this link.

Photo of Gov Pritzker:  Andreas Stroh on Shutterstock.