Guys, it’s all happening so fast. The recreational marijuana bill was officially approved in the Illinois House this afternoon and we’re about to light up a joint to celebrate.*
After news of the Illinois Senate passing the bill to legalize recreational marijuana on Wednesday, we thought it might take a few weeks to get approved by the House and then signed by Gov. Pritzker. But, alas, it looks like everyone’s pretty ready to get weed legalized fast. The bill that would decriminalize recreational marijuana and free thousands from criminal histories officially passed in the Illinois House 66-47.
Now all that’s left is for Pritzker to sign the bill into law.
Anyone over the age of 21 can purchase and possess up to 30 grams of weed (equivalent to an ounce), starting on January 1, 2020. We can assume there will be a massive upcropping of legal dispensaries all over Chicago, where you can browse different strains and get educated about cannabis.
Non-residents visiting Illinois can take part in the fun, too. They’ll be able to purchase up to 15 grams of weed, given they don’t leave the state with it.
Those who have been imprisoned for possession of under 30 grams will be given opportunities to be cleared of all charges once this bill takes effect, thanks to the efforts of Rep. Kelly Cassidy.
Private properties will still be able to make their own laws regarding recreational cannabis. Landlords can restrict marijuana usage on their properties and employers can definitely implement a no-tolerance policy toward weed usage during work hours.
Pritzker’s been a fan of legalizing marijuana throughout his campaign. Now that the bill’s on its way to his desk, let’s hope he doesn’t flake now. But he’s already made a statement of approval toward the bill passing the Senate and the House.
And let’s be honest: it’s ~high time~ this bill went through.
*only after January 1, 2020, of course…