Illinois is one of the states in the United States where marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational purposes. On the 1st of January 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act went into effect, making Illinois residents free to use marijuana.
Although this law gives Illinois residents easy access to cannabis, it is crucial for residents to be familiar with the provisions of the law to understand what’s permitted or not.
The Ins and Outs of Illinois Cannabis Laws
First off, Illinois cannabis laws make it legal for only persons who are 21 and above to purchase and use marijuana. More so, residents and visitors must only purchase their weed from state-licensed dispensaries. These dispensaries require you to provide government-issued proof of identification. In addition, you are not allowed to purchase weed from another individual, and you can’t have it delivered to your house either, meaning buying weed online or through the mail is illegal. Finally, buying cannabis on the black market is also still illegal in Illinois.
The state law allows residents to have a maximum of 30 grams of weed, 5 grams of cannabis, and 500 milligrams of THC in edibles, i.e., 100mg max each. In contrast, the state allows non-residents to have half of that. Besides, it’s necessary to remember that federal laws still make it illegal to have weed outside of your state where it is legal. So, you must store and consume IL cannabis and cannabis products, not bring them to other states.
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Illinois Consumption, Cultivation & Possession Regulations
Even though it is legal to use marijuana in Illinois, the state prohibits public cannabis consumption, whether for medical or recreational purposes. You cannot consume marijuana or marijuana products in public spaces like bars, restaurants, or even your front porch. You can smoke weed in your home or in tobacco retailers and dispensaries that allow it, but you will need your landlord’s permission if it is a rented property. It is especially illegal to smoke weed on school grounds or near anyone under the age of 21.
Colleges are free to ban weed on their campuses and dorms, and employers can have drug-free policies. Along with these, it is illegal to drive under the influence of weed. If you need to carry pot in your car, it must be secured and sealed. Essentially, you cannot access it while driving.
In terms of Illinois cannabis laws and medical marijuana (MMJ), patients that rely on cannabis for health reasons are the only ones allowed to cultivate weed in their homes with a five plant limit. If you’re a non-medical marijuana patient, you are not allowed to grow weed.
Following this, qualified and approved patients with their MMJ card can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower every 14 days. However, patients cannot sell, donate or share their medical marijuana. Individuals with qualifying conditions may seek to obtain a medical marijuana card by registering with the Department of Public Health.
Turning to Elevate for All Your IL Cannabis Knowledge
So, despite the fact that marijuana is legal in Illinois, there are limits to this law. Thus, it’s always a good idea to know what these limits are so you won’t be caught breaking the law. And that’s exactly why Elevate Holistics is here to help. No matter what questions you may have about Illinois cannabis laws, or maybe another state’s cannabis laws, we have the answer for you.
Now that you know all about MMJ in IL, it’s time to get a medical card for yourself. Getting a medical marijuana card can do wonders for your health and wellness (and MMJ patients get a lot of great perks, too). Through Elevate, obtaining your own IL medical marijuana card is easier than ever before. Our online services make the process straightforward, quick, and 100% comfortable — after all, you don’t even have to leave your home.
Book an appointment through our site today and embrace Illinois cannabis laws with an MMJ card in hand.
