Mick Jagger Celebrates Legal Cannabis in Illinois

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]A[/dropcap]t a Rolling Stones performance in Chicago, Illinois, Mick Jagger applauded the legalization of recreational cannabis in the state on June 25. Jagger welcomed Gov. J.B. Pritzker onto the set, with mixed results, but when he brought up cannabis—the crowd roared.

The Rolling Stones played two shows in Chicago, June 21 and 25, to kick off the band’s “No Filter” tour, which was rescheduled earlier. Also on June 25, Gov. Pritzker signed House Bill 1438 to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over—keeping his word to fulfill a campaign promise. 

“I’d like to welcome Governor Pritzker, who today just legalized cannabis in Illinois,” Jagger said. “So you’re all going to light up legally next January.” The law is set to take effect on Jan. 1.

“Some of you may have jumped the gun,” Jagger quipped.

Jagger says Lightfoot and Pritzker are here. Then says Pritzker today “just legalized cannabis” starting in January.
“Some of you may have jumped the gun.” pic.twitter.com/4LJe3cJFBL

— John O’Neill (@jrichardoneill) June 26, 2019

Jagger has been wrongly arrested numerous times on cannabis-related charges—especially during the 1960s, including a few high-profile cases. The Rolling Stones and other rock bands were (allegedly) intentionally targeted by zealous police officers during the peak of their careers. Apparently Jagger still considers cannabis to be not a big deal.

In 2010 Jagger did called for the legalization of all drugs on an island in the U.K. to see if it would actually lower violence. One of the key provisions in Illinois’ recreational program is its social equity program, which is among the strongest in the nation. According to the Marijuana Policy Project, nearly 800,000 people in the state may be eligible to expunge cannabis-related convictions.

The bill allows people to automatically clear convictions for up to 30 grams of cannabis. Those who were convicted with larger amounts ranging from 30-500 grams can petition a court to have the charges dropped.