Cannabis in Illinois

Cannabis in Illinois is decriminalized for recreational use and legally permitted for medical use. As of October 2018, over 46,000 qualifying patients participate in the state's medical cannabis program.[1] Since legalization in November 2015, retail sales in Illinois have topped $221 million at 55 dispensaries across the state.

Prohibition (1931)

In 1931, Illinois prohibited recreational use of cannabis, as part of a nationwide trend across 29 states in the early 20th century.[2]

Cannabis Control Act (1978)

Illinois passed the Cannabis Control Act in 1978, which technically allows for medical marijuana. However, in order for it to become an actuality, action was required from two state departments: Human Services and the State Police. Neither department took action.[3][4]

Medical cannabis (2013)

The Illinois General Assembly passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act in 2013.[5] The law legalizes the use of medical cannabis in tightly controlled circumstances.[6] In August 2013, Governor Patrick Quinn signed into law the state's medical marijuana program, which would take effect on January 1. making it the 20th state to do so.[7]

"Legally registered patients" may, with a prescription from a medical caregiver, apply for an ID card that allows the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The law lists over 30 specific medical conditions that may be legally treated using cannabis, and allows the Department of Public Health to add other conditions to the list via administrative rulemaking. Applications for patients, growers, and vendors began in September 2014.[8]

As of April 2018, over 34,700 qualifying patients participate in the state's medical cannabis program.[9] Since its inception in November 2015, retail sales from 54 authorized dispensaries have topped $151 million in Illinois.

Decriminalization (2016)

In July 2016, Illinois reduced punishment for under 10 grams of cannabis to a $100–200 fine; it was a misdemeanor previously. The law also sets the requirement for DWI at 5 nanograms/ml of THC in the blood.[10][11]

Proposed recreational use (2017)

On March 22, 2017, Illinois lawmakers proposed legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.[12] The measure would also allow residents to possess up to 28 grams of cannabis, or about an ounce, and to grow five plants. Early estimates found that legalized marijuana would generate between $350 to $700 million in annual sales.[13]

Medical cannabis expansion (2018)

On August 28, 2018, Illinois' medical cannabis program greatly expanded becoming available as an opioid painkiller replacement.[14] The legislation also eased the application process as applicants will no longer have to be fingerprinted or undergo criminal background checks. Some estimate the expansion could bring in up to 365,000 new patients into the medical marijuana program generating an additional $425 million in revenue for the state.[15]

References

  1. ↑ "Update – October 3, 2018 - Medical Cannabis Pilot Program". www2.illinois.gov. Retrieved 4 October 2018. horizontal tab character in |title= at position 28 (help)
  2. ↑ Also from Bruce Rushton (2012-02-09). "The war on weed". Illinoistimes.com. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
  3. ↑ "Medical Marijuana Is Already Legal in Illinois".
  4. ↑ "720 ILCS 550/ Cannabis Control Act".
  5. ↑ "Medical Cannabis Pilot Program". Illinois Department of Agriculture. 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2014.
  6. ↑ Johnson, Carla K. (January 21, 2014). "Illinois Medical Marijuana Rules Unveiled". NBCChicago.com. NBC Universal Media. Retrieved September 6, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Illinois governor to sign medical marijuana bill today". Articles.chicagotribune.com. 2013-08-02. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
  8. ↑ Illinois Department of Agriculture.
  9. ↑ "Update – April 4, 2018 - Medical Cannabis Pilot Program". www2.illinois.gov. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  10. ↑ "Rauner reduces punishment for minor pot possession from jail to citation". Chicago Tribune. 2016-07-29. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
  11. ↑ "Illinois is latest state to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana". July 30, 2016.
  12. ↑ McCoppin, Robert. "Illinois lawmakers propose legalizing recreational marijuana". chicagotribune.com.
  13. ↑ Robert McCoppin (March 22, 2018), "Marijuana referendum could strengthen movement to legalize in Illinois, but naysayers say ballot question unfair", Chicago Tribune
  14. ↑ McCoppin, Robert. "Rauner signs medical marijuana expansion bill allowing drug as painkiller alternative". chicagotribune.com.
  15. ↑ "Chart: Medical cannabis as alternative to opioids could give Illinois' MMJ program a massive boost". Marijuana Business Daily. 25 June 2018.
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