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 “The safety of Illinois citizens, and the motoring public, will
always remain the utmost priority of the Illinois State Police
(ISP). ISP officers will continue to enforce the law, while being
mindful of the penalty changes for smaller amounts of cannabis,”
said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz. “The public is reminded that
cannabis possession without a medical marijuana card is still
illegal; the penalty and fines have changed. In addition, drivers
under the influence of cannabis will still be arrested and
prosecuted.”
The new law changes the penalty for the possession of 10.0 grams or
less of cannabis to a civil law violation, carrying a minimum fine
of $100, and a maximum fine of $200. Persons found in possession of
not more than 10.0 grams of cannabis can be issued a citation and be
required to appear in court for the violation. ISP officers will no
longer be required to fingerprint, photograph, and either collect
bond or transport defendants to jail. Confiscated cannabis and drug
paraphernalia will be seized and placed into evidence. Following the
adjudication of the citation in court, seized cannabis and
paraphernalia will be destroyed, and the charge against the
defendant will be expunged on or before the following July 1st or
January 1st.
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Local ordinances regarding fines for the possession of cannabis and related drug
paraphernalia are not impacted.
All of the changes made by SB2228 can be found at:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=2228&GAID=13&GA=99&DocTypeID
=SB&LegID=93232&SessionID=88
[ISP Public Information Office]
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