It's a constitutional amendment that legalizes marijuana use at the state level.

It creates a licensing process for manufacturers, processors, and retailers, as well as carving out a special kind of "micro-business" license for small businesses that are reserved for communities traditionally harmed by the "war on drugs". Taxes would be set at 6% and local communities could add an additional 3%. This is lower than in many other states (including IL) which would probably help increase the amount of business.

It also provides for the expungement of records for those previously convicted of non-violent marijuana related crimes. For those already released, expungement is automatic. Those current in prison would need to file a petition for release.

It allows for personal possession and use and includes protections against being fired or the subject of search for possession or use.

The criticisms against it are that businesses already holding medical marijuana licenses would get first dibs at the new licenses and thereby may not allow for much new entry into the market.

The other is that it does not provide automatic expungement of records for those currently in prison - only those already out. This is due to how the laws regarding expungement are written - not because the creators of the amendment didn't want to.

Overall, this is an excellent bill in my opinion and, if you're in favor of legalization, there is absolutely nothing better on the horizon.