Governor JB Pritzker joined University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen, government officials, and cannabis researchers with Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) to launch the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). The launch event introduced CRI and its director, Reginald “Reggie” Guadino, to key stakeholders through an interactive panel moderated by Mike Marshall. Marshall, a journalist for Chicago News Weekly’s “Cannabis Corner,” contributed to the development of language for Illinois HB1438, which legalized cannabis use, possession, and purchase. The formation of CRI was announced in 2022 with assistance from the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer. In July 2024 CRI was funded by $7 million, awarded over three years, from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) from funds with the express purpose of supporting the research, education, and increased understanding of the impacts of Cannabis use on individuals and communities. In September, CRI opened a new laboratory in a former COVID-19 testing facility on Chicago’s west side Illinois Medical Center campus. The site will temporarily serve as a research base.