Illinois was the 20th American state to authorize a medical marijuana program but is yet to give the green light to the recreational kind. However, the dawn of 2019 is expecting swift changes as promised by the 43rd Governor of the state.
The following passages will elaborate on the marijuana and CBD laws of Illinois.
Marijuana in Illinois
Adult-use marijuana is banned in Illinois, and carrying a bit over 10 grams can imprison you for 12-months. Any amount above 30 grams with an intent to distribute established will put the convicted away for 6 years.
However, the status quo is quickly changing for good in 2019. The newly elected Governor of Illinois, J. B. Pritzker is pro-cannabis and firmly believes that taxing the crop can earn the state $700 million to a cool billion in merely a year.
The reason this midwestern state is lagging behind others is due to the anti-marijuana stance of the former Governor of Illinois. Although Bruce Rauner decriminalized convictions based on insignificant possessions in July 2016, nothing else on the policy front was done.
The Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act in 2014 enabled critically ill Illinoians to legally access cannabis. The Act also safeguarded them against any criminal prosecution. In August 2018, Public Act 100-1114 (Opioid Alternative Pilot Program) became effective, thereby directing certifying physicians to have bonafide relationships with the patients at medical facilities to ensure their ongoing treatment.
As per IDPH, Illinois Department of Public Health, 2018 witnessed an 80% surge in medicinal marijuana usage, taking the number of registered patients over 40,000. The same year also recorded medical sales of $146 million, while a healthy $400 is projected for the year 2022. As of now, 55 medical cannabis dispensaries are functional in Illinois.
CBD Oil Laws in Illinois
The Illinois Cannabis Control Act of 2014 launched the hemp research pilot program. Four years later, the approval of Senate Bill 2298 gave birth to the Industrial Hemp Act. The Act enables state residents to grow and process industrial hemp commercially, provided they’re licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Moreover, the federal approval of Farm Bill 2018 will further escalate the process.
As per authorities, any hemp crop found exceeding the 0.3% THC level will be confiscated and destroyed.
Conclusion
Smoking pot is banned in the Prairie State and possessing little over 10 grams can incarcerate you for a year. However, the status quo is changing because the new Governor of Illinois is pro-cannabis and believes the crop can fetch up to $1 billion in taxes.
In August 2018, Public Act 100-1114 (Opioid Alternative Pilot Program) became effective, which directed certifying physicians to have bonafide relationships with the patients to ensure their ongoing treatment. Also, 2018 witnessed an 80% hike in medical marijuana usage and the state recorded $146 million in medical sales.
Lastly, the 2018 approval of SB 2298 created the Industrial Hemp Act, which enabled state residents licensed by the Department of Agriculture to commercially process hemp.
