Through ‘R3’ Program, Millions In Illinois Pot Proceeds Will Go To Disproportionately Impacted Areas

By Stephanie Kim, Daniel Tucker
Sunnyside Dispensary products case
Cannabis oils and other products in a display case at Sunnyside Dispensary in Lakeview. Manuel Martinez / WBEZ
Sunnyside Dispensary products case
Cannabis oils and other products in a display case at Sunnyside Dispensary in Lakeview. Manuel Martinez / WBEZ

Through ‘R3’ Program, Millions In Illinois Pot Proceeds Will Go To Disproportionately Impacted Areas

By Stephanie Kim, Daniel Tucker

Starting July 1, when Illinois’ 2021 fiscal year kicks in, a program known as Restore, Reinvest & Renew — “R3” for short — will get 25% of cannabis tax revenues.

The goal of R3 is to create equity by pumping pot proceeds into communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.

Reset checks in with Crain’s Chicago Business to learn more about the program, and whether it’s set up for success.

GUEST: A.D. Quig, government and politics reporter at Crain’s Chicago Business