No matter what your feelings are on the subject, the truth of the matter is that more and more states have been legalizing the use and possession of recreational marijuana for adults. Currently, marijuana is still illegal by the standards of the federal government and classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and does not have any medical benefit. However, since states have the ability to create and implement their own laws, there are some states in the country that allow adults to consume and possess marijuana, although there are typically specific laws that must be followed. In Illinois, there are strict laws pertaining to the usage, possession, manufacture, distribution, and transportation of marijuana products in Illinois. Breaking these laws could result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the criminal offense.

Illinois Marijuana Possession Laws

Recreational marijuana possession only just recently became legal in Illinois. In fact, 2020 was the first year during which adults could legally use cannabis without also possessing a valid medical marijuana ID card. Though it is legal to use, there are limits to how much cannabis or cannabis-based products you may possess at any one time. As long as you are over the age of 21, you are permitted to possess up to:

For decades, recreational marijuana use has been illegal in most of the United States. In recent years, more states have legalized the use of recreational cannabis. Illinois became the latest state to legalize the use of marijuana for adults on May 31, 2019. This comes as a surprise to many, because Illinois is the first state to approve a recreational marijuana bill through the legislature rather than a voter referendum. This means big legal changes could be coming for people who face or have faced criminal charges relating to cannabis.

Illinois Makes History

The passing of this Illinois bill is monumental for the United States. No other state has passed laws to allow legal commercial sales of marijuana through the legislature. Vermont legislature allowed for the recreational possession of marijuana, but not sales, which were passed through a referendum. Recreational marijuana will be treated and taxed similarly to alcohol, in that only those who are over the age of 21 are permitted to purchase or use it.

Over the years, states and national organizations have focused on preventing people from drinking and driving. Multiple ad campaigns have been launched telling people “friends do not let friends drive drunk,” and “buzzed driving is drunk driving.” Still, alcohol is not the only intoxicating substance that DUI laws cover. 

In the state of Illinois, citizens are not permitted to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination of the two while they are in physical control of a motor vehicle. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in many states and the permittance of medical marijuana in a majority of states, driving under the influence of marijuana has become more prevalent.

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not acknowledge marijuana as a prescription drug, there are currently 28 states with medical marijuana laws in place. Illinois is one of those states. Yet users should know legalization does not mean free reign. There are still regulations, stipulations, and limitations that must be followed, and any failure to do so can result in serious consequences. The following explains further.

Approved Conditions

Passed in 2013, and put into effect in 2014, the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Act currently includes 40 chronic diseases and conditions. Though not an exhaustive list, some of the most commonly covered conditions include:

It has taken two years, but the state’s medical marijuana program finally got underway this month when six medical marijuana stores opened their doors. The four-year pilot program is expected to eventually have approximately 60 medical marijuana dispensaries to service the anticipated 100,000 people who will be approved. Currently, however, the state has only issued 3,300 medical marijuana cards.

There are stringent rules for medical marijuana stores under which they must operate. These establishments are required to be a minimum of 1,000 feet from any daycare centers or school zones. As a result, many of the stores are actually located in industrial parks.

Employees of the stores are referred to as "bud tenders" and they work with patients to determine which type of cannabis will be the right one for the patient’s symptoms. There are two types – indica and sativa. Indica creates a relaxing effect on its user and is a better sleep aid and pain reliever than sativa. Sativa provides more of an energetic and euphoric feeling.