Illinois approves 2 more marijuana cultivation centers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois has approved two more marijuana cultivation centers ahead of the start of legal recreational sales next year, officials announced Tuesday.

The two sites, located in Albion and Shelbyville, brings the total number of cultivation centers in the state to 16, officials said. Initially, only cultivation centers that have been licensed to grow medical marijuana can able to apply for recreational use.

The other approved Illinois centers are located in cities including Aurora, Dwight and Joliet.

Recreational sales begin Jan. 1.

Legislation signed earlier this year by Gov. J.B. Pritzker allows those who are 21 and older possession of up to 30 grams (1.05 ounces) of cannabis flower and up to 5 grams (0.17 ounces) of cannabis concentrate.

State officials have estimated cannabis sales could generate $250 million for Illinois by 2022.

Michigan recently began legal sales of recreational marijuana after voters approved it last year. Officials there said sales totaled about $1.6 million in the inaugural week of business at the first retail shops in Michigan.