12/18/19: The Pot Sales Delay Is Off. But The Issues Linger.

The lack of ownership by historically underrepresented people in the state's marijuana industry has been a flashpoint in the legalization debate. Today, the Chicago City Council thwarted a call from black aldermen to halt recreational marijuana sales for six months. A particular issue that led to the call: current medical marijuana license holders—which are companies largely led by white men—were given automatic recreational licenses for existing medical dispensaries, plus a recreational dispensary. Crain’s reporter John Pletz spoke with host Amy Guth about the City Council vote, and the larger social issues that have emerged in the city’s ramp-up to legalized weed. Plus: Trump faces a historic rebuke as the House votes on impeachment today, the parent of Blue Cross cuts workers, Joe Berrios is reportedly under federal investigation and the Gates Foundation gives $4.5 million to a Chicago nonprofit. Use hashtag #CrainsDailyGist on Twitter to continue the conversation about these and other business stories.