Illinois' legalization bill, Senate Bill 7, now under consideration!

Last update: May 8, 2019


Over two years in the making, a legalization bill that would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess cannabis in Illinois has been introduced to the legislature. If passed, adults could begin purchasing cannabis and growing it at home as early as January 1, 2020. Residents with minor criminal convictions related to cannabis would have their records erased automatically. The measure will soon be under consideration by lawmakers, with the goal of passing the bill by the end of the regular session at the end of May.

Sponsors Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Kelly Cassidy spent the past year meeting with stakeholders, community groups, and businesses both inside the medical cannabis community and elsewhere in Illinois. In recent months, government agencies with a hand in the regulatory system have provided significant amounts of input, helping ensure that the program can move quickly upon passage.

Despite strong support from Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the powerful Speaker of the House Mike Madigan recently indicated passage is not guaranteed. It is important that supporters make their case and support the measure and the sponsors making it possible.   

Email your state legislators today to voice your support for SB 7!

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