Legal weed to make changes in Illinois policy

Illinois will be the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana come 2020, and the majority of people in Illinois support the move.

According to a study conducted by Global Strategy Group, 60 percent of all Illinoisans gave a thumbs up to the move, while a slightly lower number in downstate agreed with legalization, at 54 percent approving.

“The majority of people I know in Springfield want weed legalized,” said Jacob, a student at Lincoln Land Community College.

People 21 years and older will soon be able to purchase cannabis and related products from licensed dispensaries; while only those with medical cards can grow a limited amount of plants. Illinois residents will be able to own 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of concentrates and edibles amounting up to 500 milligrams of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).​

Jacob also said that he thought the illegal sales will not disappear because of the high taxes imposed on marijuana in comparison to the tax-free black market.

Marijuana products will be taxed from 10 to 25 percent depending on the levels of THC.

A local woman who sells drugs and asked not to be named said, “There would probably be a few people who would stop buying [from me], and I understand if you want to go about it fully legal”

While most people support the move to legalize marijuana, some remain concerned.

Grace Underfanger, another student at LLCC, is concerned about people being high and deciding to get behind the wheel,

“I do not believe they are as alert as they could be, their heads aren’t fully in the game. I’m concerned that someone will accidentally drive too slow and get thumped,” Underfanger said.

According to House Bill 1483, the bill that legalized cannabis usage, marijuana will be regulated similarly to alcohol. Driving under the influence of marijuana will remain illegal.