Hi Folks,

We are super excited to report that some very exciting “Marijuana” law reform is happening right now in Illinois.

On 4/20, an international holiday for cannabis advocates, a Cook County state’s attorney spokesperson announced that,  “If someone is caught with a misdemeanor amount of marijuana, the state’s attorney’s office will no longer prosecute that case.”

Cook County, which includes the city of ‪Chicago‬, has also decided to dismiss all pending cases due to possession of personal amounts of ‪‎cannabis‬.

The reform will ultimately include the creation of an alternative prosecution program, meant to divert nonviolent and repeat drug offenders out of the criminal justice system and into rehabilitation facilities.

The new state program will attempt to address chronic drug use and addiction as a public health issue. Repeat offenders are expected to be linked with social service agencies for treatment, rather than face criminal charges or penalties.

“The state’s attorney’s action is a welcome step . . . to reduce sentences for some offenses while focusing on the most dangerous gun crimes,” Chicago Police spokesman Martin Maloney said.

Finally, it seems there is hope in the Illinois Justice system for nonviolent drug offenders. Also good to know that the Cook County police departments can use their time and resources to pursue real crime.

On another positive note, ‪Rep. Lou Lang’s Illinois ‪‎House Bill 3299‬ just cleared another hurdle and moved on from the House with 81 yes votes, while only 71 were needed to override veto.

The House Bill would amend the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act., so that the 4 year‪ pilot program would begin once medicine is finally available for registered patients in sate licensed dispensaries. This type of cannabis reform is critical to allow patients access while simultaneously reducing stigma associated with cannabis use. 

This is all GREAT news for registered and qualifying cannabis patients in Illinois, as well as cannabis advocates everywhere. As always, we are happy to share news about exciting cannabis reform with you!

Thank you for checking in with us. We appreciate you!