An increasing number of states across the country are beginning to relax laws governing the use, sale, and cultivation of marijuana, and Illinois is no exception. In 2013, the state passed legislation to decriminalize the possession and sale of medical marijuana in limited circumstances. Recent legislative movements indicate that the state may soon turn decriminalize the recreational sale and use of marijuana, as well. Get more info at onlinepot.org.

Recreational Use of Marijuana in Illinois

In Illinois, it is currently illegal to possess, sell, or grow marijuana in the state. However, recent amendments to the Cannabis Control Act reduced the penalties that apply to minor marijuana offenses.

Possession of Marijuana

As a result of these changes, the possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana can now be charged as an infraction. This means that petty offenses do not carry the possibility of jail time. Instead, possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is punishable by a fine of $200.

Possession of between 10 and 30 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense in Illinois, punishable by no more than one year in jail and $2,500 fines. If you are found in possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana you will face felony charges and will face a mandatory minimum sentence behind bars. A felony conviction for marijuana possession is punishable by one to 60 years in prison (depending on the amount) and $25,000 in fines.

Sale of Marijuana

It is a crime to sell any amount of marijuana in the state of Illinois. The sale of less than 10 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by no more than 1 year in jail and a fine of $2,500. Selling more than 10 grams of marijuana is a felony offense. The penalty that applies will depend on the amount of marijuana you have. Felony penalties for selling marijuana can range from 1 to 60 years in prison and up to $200,000 in fines. Penalties for selling marijuana will be aggravated if the crime involves a minor or takes place on school grounds.

Growing Marijuana

If you are found in possession of marijuana plants you will face criminal charges for marijuana cultivation. If you have 5 plants or less you will be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. If you have more than 5 plants you will be charged with a felony and face between 1 and 30 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.

Medicinal Marijuana in Illinois

In 2013, Illinois joined a growing number of states and legalized the medicinal use of marijuana. Under the Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Pilot Program, eligible Illinois residents can purchase and possess limited amounts of marijuana from registered dispensaries. In order to be eligible to participate in this pilot program, an Illinois resident must be diagnosed with a debilitating condition by a state-approved physician. Debilitating conditions that would qualify an Illinois resident for the pilot program include Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s Disease, and cancer. A complete list of debilitating conditions can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.

Proposed Changes to Illinois Recreational Marijuana Laws

In 2017, Illinois state lawmakers introduced and discussed legislation that would roll back prohibitions on the possession and sale of small amounts of recreational marijuana. Under these proposed laws, Illinois residents over the age of 21 would be permitted to buy up to 28 grams of marijuana for their own personal use. Retailers interested in selling small amounts of marijuana could file to receive a license from the state. The legally-purchased marijuana would be regulated and taxed like alcohol.