Illinois’ Legalization of Recreational Marijuana

Illinois is about to become the 11th state to legalize recreational weed. The Illinois Legislature overwhelmingly voted in favor of House Bill 1438, which will legalize recreational marijuana by January 1, 2020. Specifically adults aged 21 and over will be authorized to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis. Nonresidents will be allowed to possess up to half that amount.

Last year was a turning point for the cannabis movement in the world. Canada became the first industrialized country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana, second overall behind Uruguay. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration legalized its first-ever cannabis-derived drug, and more states than ever have allowed medical and/or adult-use of marijuana.

Currently there is 33 medical marijuana-legal states and 10 of those states that allow for recreational use by adults. With Illinois in the process, it is estimated that New Jersey and New York have the potential to legalize adult-use marijuana by 2020.

In March, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and state legislatures had “supposedly come to an agreement,” but the Republican lawmakers would not support the legislation. In New York, a similar situation happened as well. Despite this, it is still possible for legalization to occur in 2020 due to voter support.

Frank T. Luciano has been representing people accused of marijuana related issues for over 40 years. He is a lifetime member of the legal committee for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and has been a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorney’s for many years. He is familiar with marijuana, cocaine, and heroin related cases in Bergen (Hackensack), Passaic (Paterson) and Hudson (Jersey City) Counties. To get started with an initial consultation, contact Mr. Luciano today at 973-471-0004.

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