Is Recreational Marijuana Still Illegal in Illinois?

 Posted on June 07, 2019 in Drug Crimes

At the end of May, it was announced that Illinois lawmakers passed a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana use in Illinois. However, the law will not change until January 1, 2020. So the short answer is: Yes, recreational marijuana is still illegal in Illinois for now.

Possession of marijuana (as well as using, selling, and trafficking) is still punishable as a drug crime in Illinois for the rest of 2019. If someone is caught with marijuana, the punishment severity increases with the amount of the drug:

• Possession of 10-30 grams of marijuana is a Class A misdemeanor for first offenses punishable by one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. A subsequent charge is considered a Class 4 felony punishable by one to six years in jail and a fine of $25,000.

• Possession of 30-500 grams of marijuana is a Class 4 felony for first offenses punishable by one to six years in jail and a fine of $25,000. A subsequent charge is considered a Class 2 felony punishable by two to five years in jail and a $25,000 fine.

• Possession of 500-2,000 grams of marijuana is a Class 3 felony punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a fine of $25,000.

• Possession of 2,000-5,000 grams of marijuana is a Class 2 felony punishable by 3-14 years in prison and a fine of $25,000.

• Possession of over 5,000 grams of marijuana is a Class 1 felony punishable by 4-30 years in prison and a fine of $25,000.

Medical marijuana is the only type of weed that is legal in Illinois until 2020, and a doctor’s recommendation must prove that it is medically necessary for the person in possession of it.

What Is the Plan for 2020?

According to a report printed by the Chicago Tribune, Illinois will have 55 recreational marijuana dispensaries across the state for people over the age of 21 to purchase the drug. Additionally, those dispensaries will have the right to open a second location for the sale of marijuana. All told, Illinois could have over 100 locations for people to purchase marijuana.

Another report from Channel 5 in Chicago detailed that Illinois residents would be limited to possessing up to 30 grams of marijuana at a time. The report went on to say that only people who use marijuana for medical purposes may grow the cannabis plants in their home, so long as it is out of the public eye.

The new bill will also benefit anyone who was convicted in the past for possessing less than 30 grams of marijuana. Those persons may be able to have their drug crime history erased through the governor’s clemency process.

Contact a Joliet, IL Drug Crimes Lawyer

While Illinois has passed a law to legalize marijuana, it will not go into effect until January 2020. This means there are still several months left in which recreational marijuana is still illegal in Illinois. If you or someone you know is being charged with possession of marijuana, the attorneys at the Law Office of Tedone & Morton, P.C. can help build a defense strategy and work to avoid any negative outcomes. To schedule a free consultation with a Will County criminal defense lawyer, call 815-666-1285. 

Sources:

https://norml.org/laws/item/illinois-penalties

https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-where-to-buy-marijuana-in-illinois-20190603-story.html

https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/legal-weed-pot-marijuana-illinois-things-to-know-510678831.html?fbclid=IwAR3brtIGmjElzN5AYLhC9W2R4ygxQk_4leiEnfBKEdrflZEUHYX38TANTNY