The expungements are required by the new law, which made Illinois the 11th state to legalize marijuana.

Illinois' governor has granted more than 11,000 pardons for low-level marijuana convictions, one day before the state's new law permitting broad use and sale of cannabis takes effect.

Gov. JB Pritzker granted the pardons on Tuesday at a church on Chicago's south side. He says the expungements of misdemeanor offenses will help people seeking jobs, housing and financial aid for college.