Illinois Residents Can Still Face Criminal Charges Related to Cannabis

 Posted on November 19, 2020 in Drug Crimes

Few substances have been more hotly debated than marijuana or cannabis. Some believe that this plant-derived drug offers substantial medicinal benefits while others consider it to be a dangerous gateway drug. The laws governing the manufacture, sale, and consumption of marijuana are constantly changing. As of January 2020, the possession and use of recreational or medical marijuana are legal in Illinois for residents over age 21. However, Illinois residents are still subject to many marijuana-related restrictions. Violating these restrictions can lead to serious drug charges.   

Possession of More Than 30 Grams May Be a Misdemeanor or Felony Offense

Adults 21 and older are permitted to possess up to 30 grams or just over one ounce of marijuana flower and up to 5 grams of concentrated marijuana. Visitors to Illinois may possess half of these amounts. Many Illinois residents do not realize that although recreational marijuana is now legal in Illinois, there are still many ways in which the substance can lead to criminal charges.

Possession of 30 – 100 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500. If an individual is caught with more than 30 grams of marijuana a second time, the offense is a felony punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $25,000. Possession of 100-500 grams of cannabis is also a felony offense punishable by up to $25,000 in fines and three years in prison. The greater the amount of marijuana possessed, the harsher the punishments. Possession of more than 5,000 grams or the sale or trafficking of large amounts of cannabis is punishable by upward of a decade in prison.

Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana

THC-containing products such as cannabis flower or cannabis-infused foods have been found to significantly worsen a user’s balance, coordination, and reaction time. Memory problems and impaired judgment are also common side effects of cannabis use. Consequently, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of cannabis. If a police officer suspects a driver of being under the influence of marijuana, he or she may ask the driver to complete a field sobriety test. Once the driver is arrested, he or she may be asked to submit to chemical testing of his or her urine, breath, or blood. If the driver has more than 5 nanograms of THC in his or her system, he or she may be charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

Contact a Joliet, IL Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one were charged with a criminal offense related to marijuana, do not take these charges lightly. Although the drug has been legalized in Illinois, there are still many ways that the possession, use, manufacture, or sale of the drug can lead to criminal consequences. Contact one of the highly skilled Plainfield, IL criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. for help building a strong defense against marijuana charges. Schedule your free, confidential initial consultation by calling our Joliet office at 815-666-1285 or our Plainfield office today at 815-733-5350.

Sources:
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/where-is-marijuana-legal-a-guide-to-marijuana-legalization
https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/marijuana/effects-on-body
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana-legalization-in-illinois/