Yo! What’s good, fam? If you’re still trying to figure out if weed is legal in Chicago, then you gotta read this article to get the lowdown on the cannabis laws. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open, cause I’m about to drop some knowledge on you.
Chicago is one of the most lit cities in Illinois, and now it’s even more lit with the recent legalization of cannabis. For all my fellow stoners out there, this place is like paradise. But hold up, there are still some rules we gotta follow!
Don’t trip though, as long as you follow the rules, you can smoke like a chimney without any worries. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s important to know the dope on the laws so you know what’s good.
So let me break it down for you.
The History of Cannabis in Chicago:
Before we can talk about the legality of weed in Chicago, we gotta take a trip back in time and see how we got here.
Back in 1931, Illinois was one of the first states to ban recreational marijuana. The National Prohibition law was passed and weed was considered taboo for years. But fast forward to the 60s and 70s when the hippie culture started flourishing and people started realizing that weed wasn’t so bad after all.
In 1978, Illinois passed the Cannabis Control Act which made medical marijuana legal for patients with certain medical conditions. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that Illinois became the 20th state to legalize medical marijuana.
And finally, in 2019, Illinois passed a law that legalized recreational marijuana. From being a state that was resistant to weed to becoming one of the most chill states when it comes to cannabis, Illinois has come a long way.
Current Status of Marijuana:
So what’s the deal with weed in Chicago right now?
Medical marijuana is legal and so is recreational marijuana. It’s been a game-changer for all my stoner homies out there. But don’t be fooled, there are still some rules that you gotta follow.
Laws for Possession of Cannabis:
First things first, you can legally buy weed if you’re at least 21 years old from any licensed dispensary in Illinois. You don’t need no card or anything.
But here’s where things get tricky: you can only use weed in private property or in places where it’s allowed. Using weed in public places like schools or parks is illegal, so don’t even try it.
Also, if you’re not an Illinois resident, you can only buy half of what residents are allowed to buy. That means you can only possess up to 15 grams of cannabis flower, 2.5 grams of concentrates or 250 grams of edibles.
If you get caught possessing up to 30 grams of weed and it’s your first offense, then you might have your record deleted if you’re not involved in any other violent crime.
Laws for Cannabis Selling:
Cannabis sales have been through the roof since it became legal. In fact, medical cannabis use hit $64 million in sales last year alone while overall sales went up to $1.03 billion.
But don’t get too excited now because there are still limits on how much weed you can sell. Selling between 2.5-10 grams is considered a misdemeanor while selling more than 10 grams is a felony.
Laws for Cultivation of Weed:
Growing weed at home is still illegal unless you have a medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana patients with cards can grow up to 5 plants per prescription.
But if you get caught growing more than five plants without a card, then be prepared to pay a fine or even spend some time behind bars.
Medical Marijuana in Chicago:
If you have certain medical conditions like cancer or epilepsy, then you can register for the medical marijuana program and use medical marijuana products legally.
Is Industrial Hemp Allowed in Chicago?
Yes! Governor Pritzker has given his stamp of approval for industrial hemp growth and use. It’s expected to boost Illinois’ economy by billions of dollars.
Cannabis Tolerance in Chicago:
Chicago has become pretty tolerant when it comes to cannabis use since the laws have eased up. But don’t be reckless about it either. Smoking near schools or in public places is still illegal so keep that in mind.
FAQs:
– Is CBD legal in Chicago? Yeah man!
– Can I drive while high? Nah fam.
– How can I get a Medical Marijuana Card? Check out the Department of Public Health website.
– Do I have to pay taxes if I have a medical marijuana card? Nope!
The Bottom Line:
So there you have it folks! You can smoke some dank herb legally in Chicago as long as you follow the rules. Don’t be stupid about it and respect the laws so we can all enjoy smoking without any problems. Shoutout to all my stoner homies out there!