From the JB Pritzker Administration:

ICJIA Awards $45 Million in Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program Grants

Funds will support local organizations operating on smaller budgets in communities heavily affected by violence, criminal justice system overuse, and economic deprivation

CHICAGO— Using revenue from adult-use, recreational cannabis sales, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) today announced $45 million in grant funding that will support 148 programs run by organizations in communities hardest hit by the failed war on drugs.

“A modern and equitable cannabis industry requires equity, opportunity, and a robust investment in righting the wrongs of the war on drugs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. 

“That means investing in our underserved communities who’ve gone far too long without the funding and resources they need and deserve to heal and prosper. We’re proud to use cannabis revenue to directly support community-based organizations invested in creating opportunity.”

The grants are part of the R3 Program, created as a key equity element of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act signed by Governor Pritzker in 2019. The law requires using 25 percent of all cannabis tax revenue to support communities hurt by economic disinvestment, violence, and the severe and disproportionate damage caused by the war on drugs. These issues largely impact low-income Illinoisans and communities of color.

Grants were awarded to organizations that serve residents of designated eligible R3 zones.

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Note that McHenry County is not on the list.

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