One day before Illinois legalized cannabis for adult recreational use, Governor JB Pritzker granted pardons to more than 11,000 individuals with convictions for misdemeanor cannabis offenses.

“We are ending the 50-year-long war on cannabis,” Pritzker said in a statement. “We are restoring rights to many tens of thousands of Illinoisans. We are bringing regulation and safety to a previously unsafe and illegal market. And we are creating a new industry that puts equity at its very core.”

Pritzker announced the pardons at a Trinity United Church on Chicago’s South Side.

Officials estimate that more than 116,000 individuals were be eligible to have convictions for low-level cannabis offenses expunged from their records.

The expungements apply to all low-level pot possession convictions (30 grams or less ) dating back decades.

Expungements were a key part of the bill that legalized cannabis for adult use in Illinois, along with the state’s efforts to recognize and mitigate the harm done to minority communities during prohibition.

In addition, state’s attorneys throughout Illinois can consider filings to vacate cases involving up to 500 grams of marijuana.

“For the many individuals and families whose lives have been changed, indeed, hurt, because the nation’s war on drugs, discriminated against people of color, this day belongs to you, too,” Pritzker said.

The process was automatic and being handled by Illinois state police. Officials estimate that 572,000 arrest records fall into that category.

Marijuana arrests accompanied by violent offenses aren’t eligible for expungement.

What about people in jail for marijuana?

The law allows for people convicted of possession of under 30 grams prior to legalization to have their records referred to the Prisoner Review Board and Governor Pritzker for pardon.

If the pardon is granted, the Illinois attorney general will move to expunge their records. Those convicted of possession of larger amounts can petition for expungement themselves. Local state’s attorneys can also pursue expungements on a case-by-case basis.

For more about the Illinois law to legalize cannabis, click here.