New legislative session offers new hope for medical marijuana
The Illinois Legislature failed to take action on a number of high-profile bills during the January "lame duck" session, including one that would have allowed patients with serious medical conditions to use marijuana with their doctors' approval. 2013 offers patients a new year, a new legislature, and a new hope that Illinois legislators will finally show them the compassion they deserve.
Patients have reason to be optimistic, too. Democrats have traditionally been more supportive of medical marijuana than their conservative counterparts and will hold a record-high number of seats in both the Senate and the House. The bill was within three votes of passing in the previous legislature, so there's no reason it shouldn't pass now.
So what can you do to help? First, contact your legislators and urge them to support medical marijuana. If you or loved one could benefit from medical marijuana, include that in your email, and let us know after you send it. We’ll help you find other ways to get involved and make your voice heard. Letters to the editor are also a great way to keep the conversation going. Email us if you're interested in either option.
Finally, make sure you’re subscribed to our Illinois email alerts so we can keep you posted with timely updates and tips on getting involved.
Learn more about Illinois’s marijuana laws
Illinois' marijuana penalties (720 ILCS § 550) are surprisingly harsh, with penalties ranging from 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,500 for possession of less than 2.5 grams (about one-tenth of an ounce) to one to three years in a state penitentiary and fines of up to $25,000 for possession of more than 30 grams.
There are exceptions though. Many cities give officers the option to cite offenders and punish possession of small amounts with a fine only. Chicago recently joined that list when Mayor Emmanuel approved an ordinance allowing officers to cite those in possession of 15 grams or less. Violators in the Windy City face fines of $200-500.
You can learn more about marijuana laws in Illinois by reading this brief report from economist Jon Gettman, PhD.
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Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project and all of our allies. Please subscribe to our free legislative alert service to help make this the year Illinois finally shows it’s most vulnerable residents the compassion they deserve.
