Almost Four Years After Chicago Decriminalized Marijuana, Home State Of Us Is Doing Same
Residents of Illinois who are found in possession of 10 grams or less, will no longer be prosecuted to imprisonment, but up to a maximum of 200 dollars. Illinois is the 21st state to adopt a policy of decriminalizing marijuana
The law project, adopted Friday enters into force immediately; he will have to redact offender files every six months, in order to restore the conformity of criminal records.
"We applaud Governor Rauner and his legislation for replacing Illinois' needlessly draconian marijuana possession law with a much more sensitive policy." Chris Lindsey, Policy Project Marijuana Lawyer
This bill marks an effort by Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, a largely Democratic nomination who claims to reform the state's legal system.
The number of arrests of drug addicted petty offenders is simply overwhelming, and disproportionate especially for the black population of this state. A report from Urban Institute states that blacks in Illinois are incarcerated 9x more than white residents.
Before the law, those found in possession of 2,5 grams of marijuana risked imprisonment for 30 days, possession between 2,5 and 10 grams could sentence Residents to 6 months in prison. The two offenses were also increased by a fine of up to 1500 dollars.
This new law was already approved by the Senate in 2015, but was rejected due to the Governor's veto. The proposal was to allow possession of 15 grams of cannabis for personal use, the increased fine was only $ 125. A limitation also valid for 15 Nanograms of THC while driving. Rauner preferred to lower the rate to 5 Nanograms, and imposed a limit at 10 declared grams; as well as an increase of the fine to 200 Dollar
The new fixed fine of 200 dollars, applies only to Residents of one of the 100 Existing Communities who agreed with this law. Chicagoians, for example, could still face fines ranging from 250 Dollar to 500 Dollar, for possessions ranging from 15 grams of marijuana.
