Springfield, IL: Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation into law doubling adult-use marijuana possession limits and making numerous other changes to the state’s cannabis laws.
Provisions in Senate Bill 3222 amend state laws regulating hemp, marijuana, and medical cannabis. It increases the amount of cannabis an in-state adult resident may possess to 60 grams of flower and 10 grams of concentrate while also raising possession limits for out-of-state visitors. It allows licensed retailers to dispense cannabis products at drive-through locations, permits patients to receive medical cannabis recommendations via telemedicine appointments, and expands the pool of people eligible for the automatic expungement of their prior marijuana-related convictions.
Other provisions in the bill comport state laws regulating the sale of hemp-derived products to mimic forthcoming federal standards while also establishing a state-licensing system for qualified manufacturers. The language also immediately bans the sale of hemp-derived products to those under the age of 21.
“This bill marks a giant step forward for medical patients, social equity operators, and the cannabis market as a whole,” said Erin Johnson, Illinois’ Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer. “This legislation modernizes Illinois’ cannabis regulation by bringing the much-needed reforms that patients, consumers, and industry have been asking for, and further cements our role as a national cannabis policy leader.”
Illinois is the second state this year to raise adult-use marijuana possession limits. In April, Democratic Gov. Maura Healey signed legislation increasing the amount of cannabis that Massachusetts’ adults may legally possess from one ounce to two ounces. A similar bill is awaiting action from the Governor in Vermont.
The full text of Senate Bill 3222 is available from the Illinois General Assembly.