CHICAGO -- Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Saturday he's reached an agreement with key lawmakers on a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state starting next year.

The legislation would allow adults 21 and older to legally buy cannabis for recreational use from licensed dispensaries. Illinois residents could possess up to about an ounce of marijuana, while non-residents could possess about half an ounce.

The measure also would automatically expunge some marijuana convictions.

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DALLAS - May 2, 2019 - PRLog -- PRESS RELEASE -- Sapphire Risk Advisory Group has announced they have formed a new division of the company, Sapphire Solutions. This arm, Sapphire Solutions, will focus on the build aspect of new or remodeled cannabis grow or dispensary properties. The new division will offer clients the opportunity to retain Sapphire's experiences and expertise from the state application submission all the way to the final opening of the locations with respect to security products and innovations.

Juan Barrientos, vice president and director of product services, will lead the new division, bringing multiple years of experience in integration of electronic security solutions, including video surveillance, access control, alarms and associated services. His team will also provide high security storage solutions such as UL-rated safes and vaults as well as the latest safe locking systems technology.

"We are excited about Juan's addition to the Sapphire team. His ability to manage the fast moving world of security products is top of class and he brings project management skills that have been proven," says Tony Gallo, managing partner of Sapphire Risk Advisory Group. "I have known Juan Barrientos to be the 'go to' answer man when it comes to the most complex security challenges. He will be a significant addition to the mission of reducing risks of crime in the cannabis world."

Sapphire Risk has built a strong reputation in the cannabis industry as one of the leading consulting experts from writing applications to developing security site plans, providing project management, and risk consulting in the flow of operations.  Sapphire Risk was founded in 2013 by Tony Gallo, after serving 17 years as Senior Loss Prevention Director at EZ Corp, a leading Texas-based global lender.

The stock of medical marijuana products at licensed Michigan businesses will soon change, as a result of new guidance from state officials.

Effective immediately, licensed medical marijuana provisioning centers can no longer stock their shelves with products grown by caregivers, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency announced Thursday in a press release.

Licensed shops can only buy from state-licensed growers and processors. Caregivers, however, will be allowed to sell to state-licensed growers and processors -- who will be required to test the product and enter it into the state’s tracking system.

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After a debate that lasted well into Thursday evening, the House Government Operations Committee voted 10-1 for legislation that would create a regulated retail market for marijuana in Vermont.

The bill would also establish a saliva-testing protocol to help police investigate impaired driving. The committee also changed the way the proposed legislation would empower local governments to restrict cannabis business. New language would require a community vote before any retail marijuana shops could open in a given municipality.

The legislation passed the Senate with no measures for roadside testing or other highway safety policies. Gov. Phil Scott has repeatedly said that he wouldn’t approve any retail cannabis bill that doesn't include saliva testing for drivers and dedicated funding for education and prevention programs.

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