On Friday, Illinois lawmakers approved recreational marijuana legalization. This delivers another huge  step in nationwide recreational legalization in one of the biggest markets in the US.

Marijuana Investors will see another huge market open in 2020, helping build momentum in the Cannabis Markets. Illinois will set another new bar for nationwide legalization of Marijuana.

The highly contention debate in Springfield which included one lawmaker cracking eggs into a frying pan to depict “brain on drugs” was a victory in favor of recreational legalization on Jan 1^st 2020 by a 66-47 vote by the House of Representatives.

The Gov of Illinois J.B. Pritzker plans to sign the bill into law. Illinois will become the 11^th stated to legalize cannabis and the first state which a legislature approved commercial sales. Vermont has previously legalized possession, but, as of yet not commercial sales.

The general argument of opponents was of more addictions, mental impairment, and drugged-driving deaths, while the proponents spoke of a need to end the failed was on drugs.

Marijuana legalization is expected to generate much need revenue in the coming budget to help rebuild poverty and crime ridden communities and help fund substance abuse, mental health and law enforcement services.

 “This will have a transformational impact on our state, creating opportunity in the communities that need it most and giving so many a second chance,” Pritzker said in a statement.

A detailed 610 page bill, delivers how marijuana and cannabis is meant to be taxed and regulated similar to current alcohol, with rules on affecting its use.

Here are some answers from the Legislature in Illinois on Cannabis and Marijuana legalization:

WHO CAN GROW MARIJUANA?

Only 20 existing licensed Medical Marijuana cultivation facilities will be licensed to grow Marijuana initially.  Next year, craft grower may apply for licensed cultivation up to 5,000sq ft, with a preference to applicants in minority areas disproportionally affected by the drug war. This will be focused on the South and West Side of Chicago. Medical Cannabis patients will be allowed to grow up to five plants each at home.

WHO CAN BUY MARIJUANA IN ILLINOIS?

Illinois residents age 21 and over may possess up to 30 grams  or about 1 ounce of flower (roughly as much as an adult can hold in cupped hands), 5 grams of cannabis concentrate or 500 milligrams  of THC – the chemical that gets users high – in cannabis infused products such as gummies, and other candies, tinctures and lotions. Adult visitors to the state may possess 15 grams of marijuana.

WHO CAN BAN IT?

Municipalities and counties may ban cannabis and marijuana businesses within their boundaries, but may not ban individual possession. Any person, business or landlord may prohibit use on private property. Colleges and universities may continue to ban marijuana use.

WHERE IS CONSUMPTION PROHIBITED?

Marijuana use in Illinois will be prohibited in any public place like street or park, on school grounds (except for medical use) , in any motor vehicle, in any correctional facility, near someone under 21 years of age, while driving boat or flying plane. It is OK to use at home, as long as outsiders cant see it.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT CRIMINAL RECORDS?

The governor will pardon past convictions for possession of up to 30 grams, with the attorney general going to court to expunge or delete public records of a conviction or arrest. For possession of 30 – 500 grams, an individual or state’s attorney may petition the court to vacate and expunge the conviction.

HOW WILL MARIJUANA BE TAXED IN ILLINOIS?

Sales will be taxed at 10 percent for THC levels at or less than 35 percent; 20 percent for cannabis-infused products such as edibles; and 25 percent for THC concentrations of more than 35%. That’s in addition to standard state and local sales taxes. Municipalities may add special taxes of up to 3%, counties may add up to 3.75% in unincorporated areas, and Cook County may add up to 3% in municipalities.