State Sen. Toi Hutchinson appointed as Illinois’ pot czar

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday that he tapped state Sen. Toi Hutchinson to oversee the state’s recreational cannabis program.

Hutchinson, an Olympia Fields Democrat who helped craft the recreational pot law, will resign her 40th District Senate seat before stepping into her new role.

“For ten wonderful years I’ve had the privilege of serving in the Illinois State Senate and it has been the honor of my life to represent my district in Springfield,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “In the Illinois Senate, I’ve had the opportunity to shape this state for years to come and I’m excited for this next challenge implementing the adult-use cannabis law my colleagues and I worked so hard on.”

In a statement, Pritzker lauded his new appointee’s work in the legislature, crediting “her drive, insight and ability to get big things done.”

The announcement comes roughly three months before the state lifts the prohibition on recreational pot — a move that could make Illinois’ cannabis market one of the nation’s largest.

Hutchinson was a driving force in passing the 610-page legalization measure, which prioritizes criminal and social justice and aims to make the state’s overwhelmingly white marijuana industry more inclusive.

“I’ve always said that equity should be the cornerstone of this new industry and I’m going to work every single day to ensure that those who have been disproportionately impacted by drug policies have the opportunity to start businesses and thrive here in Illinois,” Hutchinson said.

In her new role, Hutchinson will be tasked with publishing a study by March 2021 that probes possible discrimination in the cannabis industry and its effects on the state. The study will include recommendations to the Illinois departments of agriculture and financial and professional regulation “for reducing or eliminating any identified barriers to entry in the cannabis market,” according to the legalization law.

Further, Hutchinson will suggest and promote methods to ensure diversity in the industry, coordinate the cannabis-related efforts of various state agencies and make recommendations for policy and rule changes.

“I couldn’t be more proud that she has agreed to join my administration and bring her leadership to our effort at keeping equity at the forefront of the state’s new adult-use cannabis industry,” Pritzker said.

In 2009, Hutchinson was appointed to fill Debbie Halvorson’s Senate seat after she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Local Democratic leaders from Hutchinson’s district — which includes portions of Cook, Grundy, Kankakee and Will counties — will now vote to select her replacement.

Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said in a statement Thursday that Hutchinson “has tackled some of the toughest issues facing our state, always performing with grace, eloquence and determination.”

“While her departure will be a profound loss for the Illinois Senate, I congratulate her on her new role and wish her nothing but the best as she continues to serve the residents of Illinois,” Cullerton added.

Jordan Abudayyeh, a spokeswoman for the governor, said it was unclear when Hutchinson’s tenure will start.