Illinois Considering Legalization of Recreation Marijuana

A proposition in favor of recreational marijuana in Illinois is finally under consideration.

This Wednesday, cannabis supporters and law enforcement faced off it before a House-Senate appropriations committee decided over whether to end marijuana criminalization in the state.

Those in favor of a legal cannabis market, believe the move would contribute millions of dollars in tax revenue to the downtrodden economy which could be designated for crumbling schools and infrastructure as the case in Colorado, while opposing views are concerned the move will increase abuse rates among adolescents and adults and create more incidents of DUI's. “There would certainly be more people driving under the influence,” said the Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser.

Two legislators brought the marijuana legalization proposals (SB316 and HB2353) to discussions earlier this year. They believe the bills are “in the interest of allowing law enforcement to focus on violent and property crimes, generating revenue for education and other public purposes, and individual freedom.” as they were quoted as saying. Under the proposed legislation, adults 21 and older would have the choice to buy marijuana products from retail stores just as they would alcohol. The bill also includes a personal cultivation provision that would enable adults over 21 to grow up to five plants at home for personal use(Woot-Woot!).

Similar legislation was introduced earlier in 2017, but failed to progress and gain a general hearing. During yesterday’s hearing, Rep. Cassidy(D-IL) told her colleagues that "the best course of action Illinois could take to combat some of the black market drug activity that has become so prevalent in major cities like Chicago is to create a legitimate area of commerce for cannabis".

“Right now, anyone can go to a street corner and buy it,” Cassidy said. But you can’t even get into a dispensary if you’re under 21.”..Let that one soak in.

Some of the most recent analysis shows that Illinois might be able to solve its multi-billion dollar budget crisis by legalizing marijuana. Who would have guessed. The state stands to generate in upwards of $700 million in new tax revenue by implementing the proposed legalization.

But even if the state legislature passes the proposed bills, it is still up to Governor Bruce Rauner. At this point, all Rauner’s office is quoted on the matter is that "he promises to give the bill full consideration if it lands on his desk". Considering the governor’s past apprehensions toward expansion of the medical marijuana program, it is possible that it could be shot down altogether.

If the Illinois legislature can't pass a recreational marijuana law in 2018, theres speculation that a marijuana ballot initiative for the upcoming election is in the works.