Photo Source: FreeVector

With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan in the midterm elections, we in Chicago are left with a few questions. What about Illinois? Is recreational marijuana coming soon?

What’s the policy now?

Fortunately for Illinoisans, medical marijuana policy is already on the books, covering conditions like PTSD, HIV/AIDs, Alzheimer’s, and more. Additionally, marijuana possession was largely decriminalized in 2016 as the penalty for holding 10 grams or less was reduced from six months in jail to citations of no greater than $200. This slight decriminalization, however, did not fully legalize recreational marijuana, which is where the future comes in.

What’s next?

Throughout his campaign for governor, gubernatorial elect JB Pritzker kept marijuana legalization at the forefront of his platform. With the promise to legalize recreational marijuana, Pritzker further promised to “include black and brown entrepreneurs in the planning and licensing of new marijuana dispensaries” and to “reinvest in communities hit hardest by the war on drugs and the legacy of mass incarceration.”

With the aim of reducing the uneven effects of punitive marijuana policy in the state, it seems Pritzker’s focus is on economic prosperity for majority-minority communities impacted the most.

Following his election in November, the Chicago Tribune predicted sponsors will introduce recreational marijuana policy in January and pass it before the end of May. While not all legislators in the Illinois statehouse are in support of this move, it seems likely Illinois residents will be able to legally light up by the summer of next year.