CHICAGO — The newest deck from Chicago-based Cards Against Humanity gives card lovers a chance to put their money where their bong is.
An effort to solve the state's fiscal crisis by legalizing marijuana — expected to restart in January once lawmakers return to Springfield for a new session — will get a boost from sales of the new $5 Cards Against Humanity Weed Pack.
All of the proceeds from the sales of the pack wrapped in green foil will go to the Marijuana Policy Project. The effort has raised $70,000 in two weeks, said card company spokeswoman Jenn Bane.
"Our current marijuana laws are failing," said Cards Against Humanity head writer Jo Feldman.
The company has never been one to shy away from hot-button political issues, and has raised $5 million for several charities with similar packs for Donors Choose, the EFF and the Sunlight Foundation.
In January, the company took out a full-page ad for a new CEO, listing requirements tailor made for former President Barack Obama.
"For us, this is a common sense issue of racial justice, health justice and criminal justice," said co-creator Max Termkin." State and national politics are incredibly screwed up right now, but it gives us hope to think that we can make progress on these kind of common sense issues that everyone supports."
During the presidential campaign a political action committee funded by the company erected a billboard near I-90 and I-294 taunting Republican nominee Donald Trump by claiming that he doesn't pay taxes.
Two bills authored by state Sen. Heather Steans and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, both from Edgewater, would allow adults to possess, grow and buy small amounts of marijuana. Businesses producing marijuana for sale would be bound by labeling requirements and marketing restrictions.
The original bill introduced in March, which is expected to be altered before being reintroduced, proposed a $50 per ounce tax on pot at the wholesale level, while sales to the public would be subject to the state's 6.25 percent sales tax. Illinois residents could possess up to 1 ounce and five plants. Nonresidents could possess a half-ounce.
The effort would bring in at least $350 million annually. The revenue would be earmarked for public schools and substance abuse prevention and treatment, according to the measure.
Gov. Bruce Rauner has promised to consider the effort, but he said he was not convinced it was the correct path for Illinois.
Under a pilot program approved in 2013, Illinois allows marijuana to be used for medical reasons.
Chicago has medical marijuana dispensaries in Logan Square, Uptown, Garfield Ridge, Jefferson Park and Norwood Park.
The game company, headquartered at 1917 N. Elston Ave., was developed by a group of Highland Park High School alumni and is described on the company's website as "a party game for horrible people" and "as despicable and awkward as you and your friends."
Cards Against Humanity players match cards in often funny — and typically off-color ways — allowing hijinks to ensue.
Inc. magazine estimated in 2013 that there have been some $12 million worth of cards sold.
