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City Council Black Caucus Proposes Postponing Recreational Marijuana For 6 Months Citing Zero Black Ownership

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Recreational marijuana in Chicago is hitting some snags. The city's Black Caucus is proposing to delay sales for six months, saying it's not about money but about equity.

The Black Caucus claims African American ownership is nonexistent when it comes to recreational marijuana.

Members of the caucus held a special meeting demanding opportunities for African Americans.

They plan on proposing the ordinance during Wednesday's city council meeting.

Lawmakers feel like African Americans were disproportionately discriminated against and incarcerated because of weed's illegality, and now they won't even benefit from the new law taking effect.

Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) said if pot were to become legal in Chicago on Jan. 1, it would allow the 11 existing dispensaries in the city, none of which are black-owned, to have an advantage over any incoming businesses.

"In the end we want to see people who look like us in this business profit from it and not the 11 that exist," Ervin said. "This is probably the biggest wealth generator in this state for years to come and for African Americans to not have a serious piece of that is a problem and we need to work to fix it."

Ervin said the Black Caucus is prepared to work with the mayor and lawmakers to find equity when it comes to weed's legalization in Chicago.

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