Which ever side of weed legalization you stand on, it doesn't change the fact that come January 1, 2020, Illinois will become the 11th state to completely legalize recreational marijuana use. Thanks to ABC7, here are some things to expect:
When will marijuana be legal in Illinois?January 1, 2020.
Who will be able to purchase marijuana legally?Adults aged 21 and over.
How much marijuana can be legally purchased or possessed?Up to 30 grams, or about one ounce, of marijuana plant material, edibles totaling no more than 500mg of THC, and five grams of cannabis concentrate products. Non-residents will be able to purchase half those amounts.
Now that all seems very reasonable, if you're old enough to drink, you're old enough to use. 30 grams of plant is a decent amount for one person to carry. 500mg edibles is quite enough as well. Again, nothing crazy, although I don't recommend consuming all 500mg in one sitting, that's bad, mkay? Now, vape cartridges typically hold 1g of oil per cart. If you have five of those, that's quite a bit of juice for one person to carry. Or so I'm told because in case my mom is reading this (or you're a cop), I'm a good Christian boy who is simply reading all this information and sharing with my audience, not partaking whatsoever... The "up to five grams of cannabis concentrate product" has the most bang for your buck. Here's the thing, the state knows that too, which is why it will be taxed like no other:
How will marijuana be taxed?There is a graduated tax set up for recreational marijuana in Illinois:
- Marijuana and cannabis-infused products with less than 35% THC will be taxed at 10% of the purchase price
- Cannabis-infused products with more than 35% THC will be taxed at 20% of the purchase price
- Marijuana with more than 35% THC will be taxed at 25% of the purchase price
Medical marijuana is exempted from these taxes. Individual municipalities can also levy additional taxes on recreational marijuana if they choose to, in .25% increments not exceeding 3.75% in unincorporated areas of a county, .75% in a municipality located in a non-home rule county, and 3% in municipalities located in home rule counties.
Basically, if you are a vape person, or thinking of trying it once it becomes legal, it's going to cost you A LOT.
Here's another thing, only medicinal marijuana card holders will be able to grow their own in house. No you cannot smoke in public either, contrary to popular belief. That's the main difference between this drug and cigarettes, just because it's legal, doesn't mean you may use it wherever you want. All marijuana consumption must happen on private property.
Lastly, I haven't been able to find anything on pricing just yet, but I do know that no new dispensaries will be able to become licensed until May of 2020. In the meantime, only the current medicinal marijuana dispensaries will be allowed to sell product to the public. Interested to see how this one pans out. Smoke responsibly, if that's your thing. - @Traceahamilton
Also, to find out if your city/township/suburb will be selling in the new year, click here (Thanks again to ABC7)