Midwest
Democratic governor brags about 'record-setting growth' for pot sales, gets torched on social media
Some Americans blasted Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker this week for touting another year of record-breaking weed sales in his state.
Pritzker wrote on X that Illinois had broken records in pot sales for the third year in a row on Sunday, celebrating his state’s growing success in the cannabis industry since the drug’s legalization in 2020.
But dozens of social media users slammed the governor on social media for bragging about increased drug use.
“For the third year in a row, Illinois had record-setting growth for adult-use cannabis sales,” Pritzker wrote on X on Sunday. “We’re building the most prosperous and accessible cannabis industry in the nation – taking steps to repair the damage of the past and creating real opportunity for all Illinoisans.”
The social media post garnered over 300,000 views and received hundreds of responses. A few X users said the governor should be more concerned about excessive drug use in his state’s communities.
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“What he is really saying is his state is such an unbearable hellscape that record numbers of people are retreating to weed for a temporary escape,” one X user wrote. “I don’t think I would be bragging about this.”
Another wrote: “When pot, gambling and killing babies are your growth industries, you got problems.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker touted his state’s success in “record-setting” cannabis sales for the third year in a row, but some social media users responded that an increase in selling pot shouldn’t be bragged about. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Pritzker signed a bill in June 2019 legalizing adult-use cannabis, but the law didn’t go into effect until Jan. 1, 2020.
Since then, in-state residents’ pot sales have boomed, increasing from $39 million in January 2020 to $117.9 million in December 2023, state data show.
“Most adults would feel shame with growing drug use in their communities,” one user wrote.
Another X user wrote: “The state of Illinois is a proud drug dealer. What kind of message is this for young people?”
Illinois’ pot sales among in-state residents have skyrocketed, increasing from $39 million in January 2020 to $117.9 million in December 2023, according to state data. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Some X users raised concerns about the dangers of excessive marijuana use as legalization efforts have made the drug more readily available.
The high-THC level drug and its products have sometimes been linked to an increased risk of addiction and psychosis, a 2022 study published in Lancet Psychiatry found.
Marijuana users who have had at least one psychotic episode after using cannabis are also almost 50% more likely to develop schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, according to a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The risk was even higher for teens and young adults.
More potent marijuana and increased use has contributed to higher rates of psychosis, particularly in young people, recent studies have shown. (iStock)
Even an avid marijuana user wrote on X that increased weed sales shouldn’t be touted.
“As a daily pot smoker myself here in IL, this is not something you should be proud of,” the user wrote. “Everyone knows it’s not ‘healthcare’. It’s aiding in the drug addiction of the general populace. Be real.”
Pritzker’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Minneapolis, MN
Man sentenced to federal prison for armed robberies of St. Paul bank, Minneapolis Walgreens
A 26-year-old man was sentenced this week to 2 ½ years in federal prison for robbing a Walgreens in Minneapolis, then a St. Paul bank the next day.
Korey Maurese Hale of Minneapolis pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court of Minnesota to one count of armed bank robbery in connection with the June 2024 hold ups.
Hale used the same .22-caliber Mossberg rifle in both robberies, making off with about $200 from Walgreens at Chicago Avenue and 43rd Street and approximately $1,833 from BMO Bank at Snelling and Randolph avenues, according to his January plea agreement. St. Paul police arrested Hale near the bank shortly after the heist.
In an interview with a St. Paul police investigator, Hale said people were trying to kill him and voices in his head made him rob the bank, according to initial charges filed in Ramsey County District Court.
Hale was civilly committed as mentally ill and chemically dependent in September 2024. Eight months later, he was ordered to undergo a federal psychiatric and psychological examination, which found his medication treatment was effective and he was competent to stand trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Forbes wrote in a presentencing memo.
Hale’s sentencing Monday at the federal courthouse in St. Paul includes five years of supervised release following incarceration.
“Once released, if Hale continues to take his medications, continues to receive mental health treatment, and stays away from controlled substances, he will dramatically reduce his risk of recidivism,” Forbes wrote in the memo. “A five-year term of supervision will best ensure that the federal crimes in this case are Hale’s last.”
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Advocacy groups supporting homeless populations are warning about the potential effects of a new law banning camping in public areas.
Senate Enrolled Act 285 now makes it a misdemeanor to camp, sleep on or use public land as long-term shelter.
JJ and Jennifer Goodall have been homeless on and off for the last eight years.
“It makes me wonder what’s going through people’s heads now,” JJ said.
Under the law, someone caught camping on public land would first receive a warning and information about available resources.
They would have 48 hours to leave at least 300 feet away. They then could face 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Sanctuary Indy is a nonprofit with a mission to help solve homelessness throughout Indianapolis. Founder Michelle Shelburne says the SEA 285 is a step in the wrong direction and effectively criminalizes homelessness.
“I know a lot of individuals through our street outreach that will be filling up our jail system to be arrested,” Shelburne said. “Then [they have] nowhere to go. I don’t see that as a viable solution for our housing crisis.”
The Goodalls’ struggle is amplified because JJ can’t work. He takes care of Jennifer full-time. She lost vision in both of her eyes years ago.
Earlier this year, they were connected with Sanctuary Indy’s support services, including nutritionists and a financial advisor.
“We were living in the dumpster area of the Dollar Tree,” Jennifer said. “Stacy, their outreach advocate, came by and started talking to us, and it just all happened from there.”
Part of the nonprofit’s work includes developing Circle City Village, a housing complex for homeless people and families.
Later this year, the Goodalls will be among the first residents to move into six tiny homes for couples and individuals.
Plans for the village’s second phase include five duplexes for ten families.
“They lifted us up and gave us a lot of hope right now, so we’re holding on to that right now,” JJ said.
They know people who rely on public spaces for shelter. Both are worried about what the new law will mean for others in their situation.
“There’s no real safe place that you can sleep, especially if you’re outside,” Jennifer said. “To do that to those people who are already down as far as they can possibly get is not right.”
According to data from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Marion County is short 33,600 housing units for households at or below 30% of the area median income.
Shelburne is urging lawmakers to see the real people impacted.
“We need more help starting from the ground up,” Shelburne said. “Not coming up with band-aid solutions that are just going to increase our crisis.”
The first phase of construction on Circle City Village is scheduled to be completed this summer.
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