2019 Illinois Takes Next Step in Legalizing Recreational Marijuana

 Posted on July 11, 2019 in Uncategorized

Marijuana is a substance that has been at the heart of many political debates over the last decade or so. On a federal level marijuana is still illegal, but this has not stopped numerous states from slowly incorporating the plant into their own legislature. Medical marijuana boomed once it became common knowledge that even topical treatments of the substance could lessen the symptoms associated with epilepsy, ease the pain of cancer patients, and even dismiss migraines.

Medical marijuana introduced the concept of the plant being a viable and safe option to treat ailments outside of the prescription pill. This revolutionary idea, that marijuana could be helpful rather than harmful, opened the doors for more conversation about how to regulate it, and even decriminalize it.

Too many people have been incarcerated on marijuana possession charges. Numerous people are still in jail while others get to enjoy marijuana recreationally in several states now. Not only are people using the substance, but others are slowly beginning to tolerate and/or accept it as another form of medication or relaxation, even if if they don’t use it themselves. This begs the question: is it fair that so many people are still in jail for possessing marijuana?

Medical Marijuana Legality in Illinois

In 2013, Illinois passed a Medical Cannabis Pilot Program, introducing the possibility of legal marijuana possession. On par with other states like California, Illinois approved the distribution of medical marijuana through special medical facilities that provide free registration. Medical use of the plant requires a medical recommendation/certification from a doctor, regulating its dispensary to only those with qualifying conditions.

Those who qualify, qualify no matter their age. Individuals younger than 21 can legally possess and use marijuana, but only if their guardian approves and regulates the substance. This meant that all patients that could benefit from medical marijuana could do so without fearing legal retribution.

In 2019, Illinois enacted a system of provisional registration for future medical marijuana patients, or their guardians, to apply online. Provisional registrations cards are available online after application. Patients could print their registration online while waiting for their real card to come through the mail.

Suffice to say, Illinois jumped on the marijuana train, hoping to provide access to all who need it.

Why Recreational Marijuana?

Different states have different opinions on recreational marijuana and the consequences that come with legalizing it. Illinois has made its stance fairly clear: they’re fighting for legalization. In May, 2019, the Illinois Senate passed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, sending it off to the House to await the final verdict.

The new bill would allow adults 21 and over (residents and nonresidents) to possess marijuana for their own personal use – no medical card needed. One of the big reasons for the excitement surrounding this bill stems from past marijuana-related convictions. If the bill is passed, all individuals convicted with low-level possession would be pardoned, and their records hopefully expunged.

This has created some debate between political parties, but ultimately the discussion is on the table for negotiation. Different qualifications, like who can grow plants and how many, and how to tax and regulate the substance, are under the microscope now, too. Though it may take some deliberation before the bill is passed, many have hope that a common ground will be found.

This intended act of justice through legalizing recreational marijuana is one that many Illinois residents feel deeply, as loved ones have been sent to jail for possessing a substance that is widely publicized and used today. Advocates of pro-legalization harken the current federal policy to prohibition. Restricted the public from accessing items never solves the problem of usage anyway – it just sends more people to jail. Illinois takes a step closer to legalizing recreational marijuana, and the state is ready for this change.

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