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* I’m definitely not a fan of decriminalization because I’d much rather have full legalization to stop the illegal (and too often violent) growing and distribution network and bring in more money for the state. But, whatevs. Baby steps, I suppose. Tribune…
The Illinois Senate took another stab at decriminalizing marijuana statewide, approving a measure Tuesday aimed at satisfying Gov. Bruce Rauner’s concerns that led him to veto a similar bill last year.
The idea is that people caught with small amounts of marijuana would be fined instead of receiving jail time. The first-term Republican governor contended the old version would have let people carry too much marijuana and set fines too low.
The new edition drops the number of grams allowed from 15 to 10 and raises the range of fines from $55 to $125 to between $100 and $200.
Opponents argued that amount was still too lax, saying it was the equivalent of as many as 20 cigarette-sized joints. Supporters joked about that.
“Quite frankly, they can be different sizes,” said sponsoring Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago. “One of my colleagues says the way she would roll them, it’d be about three.”
I honestly have no idea how many joints are in a gram. I even used the Google and still didn’t find anything certain. But Sen. Steans is right that they can be different sizes.
Either way, so what?
* More…
If the measure passes the Illinois House, it would follow action by more than 100 Illinois communities – plus 20 other states and the District of Columbia – which have already removed criminal penalties for simple marijuana possession, the statement said.
“Serious penalties should be reserved for people who commit serious crimes, not used to punish marijuana consumers. Nobody should face a lifelong criminal record simply for possessing a substance that is less harmful than alcohol,” said Marijuana Policy Project legislative analyst Chris Lindsey.
* Oh, brother…
Critics say the measure treats marijuana less seriously than alcohol and could lead to problems with addiction.
The full roll call is here.
* I’ll close with a GQ interview of the late, great Merle Haggard discussing Willie Nelson and weed…
GQ: What do you think motivates Willie? What do you makes him tick deep down?
Merle Haggard: Marijuana. [laughs]
GQ: There must be a bit more than that.
MH: He told me, and I don’t disagree with him, that had we not smoked pot during our life then we would probably be dead from drinking whiskey or smoking Camels… And there’s a lot of reasons they don’t want you to smoke it. The people who make the valium, they don’t want you smoking something you can grow in your [expletive deleted] garden, and the whiskey people don’t want you doing something you can do without using their brand.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:15 am
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Talk of a graduated income tax, decriminalization, … clear thinking is breaking out all over. Nah. Someone must’ve slipped something in those brownies last night.
Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:20 am
“One of my colleagues says the way she would roll them, it’d be about three.”
Otherwise known as the ‘Bob Marley technique’. Seriously, what does it matter how many joints a person has in their possession? 10 grams is 10 grams. The number of joints a person can make from that amount is irrelevant.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:22 am
I will never be convinced that Legalization of Marijuana is a good idea, but that battle was lost once people started to equate it with medicine. So the ship will eventually come in for those that need to legally experience the full effect of the Physical Graffiti Album. Until then, keep calling your friends of a friend and enjoy the advantages of a currently non taxed product.
Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:23 am
Just got off the phone with my pothead friend and she said that an average doob contains about half a gram. That said, Cubs is on the money.
Comment by Slick Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:31 am
2-3/gram
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:38 am
Steans said 3.
McCarter said 20.
Always the businessman.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:39 am
I agree with Richs’ preface remarks. We can regulate to make it work similar to alcohol. We need to let people take care of themselves and yet protect others from them. I don’t care how many joints you have, or whether you share with others. I care about you on the road, at work, and so forth. The best way to reduce violence and theft due to pot is to legalize and regulate it.
Comment by Thoughts Matter Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:40 am
I’ve known plenty of users of both and I’ve known more people that have destroyed their lives with alcohol than with weed.
Comment by Fisher Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:41 am
I guess the powers that be in Illinois politics have finally figured out that it’s in their best interest to have a stoned and incoherent electorate buying junk food at higher tax rates for the munchies. That would be an excuse for voters electoral choices AFTER legalization. What’s their excuse now for their choices?
Comment by Zonker Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:42 am
Curious about Sen Stean’s ‘colleague’; also unnerved that she could roll a 3 gram joint. That’s enough to put down Andre the Giant
Comment by Stean on the Lean Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:44 am
Going to Breckenridge to do some research soon.
Legalize marijuana, and give people’s livers a break!!
Comment by cdog Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:45 am
10 grams would only make about a 1/32 of a Cheech and Chong joint.
Logically, they should legalize 14 grams or less since 14 grams is a 1/2 oz. That is how people buy, in increments of an ounce, unless you are a dealer, then you buy pound sizes.
If you are trying to cut down arrests of casual users, but still keep a lid on the dealers, allow 1/2 oz to 1 oz (14 to 28 grams). Otherwise, you are still nabbing too many casual users.
Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:45 am
How many grams in a blunt?
Comment by Zonker Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:48 am
Legalize it! Spend resources on the heroin and meth epidemic and real crime. The prison economy will still have plenty of business.
Comment by Jimmy H Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:48 am
“That is how people buy, in increments of an ounce, unless you are a dealer, then you buy pound sizes.”
You do realize that an ounce is about $350 in street value, right?
Comment by Stean on the Lean Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:49 am
===If you are trying to cut down arrests of casual users, but still keep a lid on the dealers, allow 1/2 oz to 1 oz (14 to 28 grams). Otherwise, you are still nabbing too many casual users.===
I like your use of the word “lid”. I see what you did there.
But I have to disagree with your contention that 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. is casual use. That’s a lot of weed unless you’re sharing it with the neighborhood.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:52 am
Legalize so consumables can be marketed and no one has to smoke!
Comment by D.P.Gumby Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:52 am
===disagree with your contention that 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. is casual use===
Some people shop every day at the corner market. Some stock up at Aldi’s. Same thing here.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:53 am
“consumables can be marketed and no one has to smoke!”
False. Consumables are more dangerous than smoking because it’s easier for people to quite literally bite off more than they can chew.
Comment by Stean on the Lean Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:54 am
Adding, as someone who has completely put the breaks on my alcohol consumption to stop any increase in FLD (after a sonogram should a mild situation), I would love to have the option of smoking a little weed at 4:20 to start a relaxing evening.
http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/fatty-liver-disease
Comment by cdog Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:54 am
I had a comment then I kinda lost it, man, and then I just got the munchies…
Happy 4/20
To the Post,
The regulation and decriminalization happening elsewhere allows us all to see how law enforcement and the legal system reconciles the different role they will play and how society looks at all the actors, be they sellers, users, and the law.
I hope all parties here use the best judgement of the current societal facts to move forward on this issue.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:57 am
===Some people shop every day at the corner market. Some stock up at Aldi’s. Same thing here.===
Doesn’t it have a ’shelf-life’? I’ve been away from that scene for at least 20 years.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 10:58 am
Not for nothing, but tobacco companies put approximately 1 gram of tobacco in a typical cigarette. So…
I am too old and too apt to be tested for such things, but I always philosophically thought it odd that people would or could make a naturally growing plant, that is largely unprocessed for use other than being dried, illegal.
Comment by benniefly2 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:02 am
Good for the Senate.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:04 am
Cubs: all organic material has a shelf life. but if stored in a humidor-like environment, the shelf life of dried flowers can be extended as much as possible.
Comment by Homer J. Quinn Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:14 am
@Cubs. Not necessarily. Users likely buy a 1/2 oz size because it is more economical than buying in tiny quantities.
Smaller quantities command a higher per gram cost like any other commodity. A user might be stocking up for a Grateful Deads tour and not selling anything. He might share, but it’s a social sharing, not reselling.
Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:20 am
Used to be strongly opposed to legalization, because I saw how my friends changed for the worse when they started using. But I’ve come around on that. I’d much rather legalize it and immediately begin taxing the stuff at a higher rate than tobacco. You want to smoke it for recreational use? Fine. Thanks for your contribution to schools, health care, roads and public workers pensions. Less for everyone else to pay.
Comment by JB13 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:27 am
Legalize it and make some money. It’s not like the state is flush with cash. Much less harmful than alcohol..
Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:29 am
I definitely support legalization–and not just for criminal justice reform and economic/fiscal reasons. Responsible adults should not be punished for use. Marijuana on the whole is far less dangerous than alcohol. It’s time to end the stigma.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:31 am
Legalize it. Tax the crap out of it. Been to Amsterdam a couple of times. Loved the freedom.
Comment by a girl Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:38 am
As usual, most of the NO votes came from the GOP, including Leader Radogno. Some day soon this measure will be seen as conservative.
Comment by anon Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:47 am
Had some bad inhalent allergies when I was growing up, so never tried it because of that, and ONLY because of that, now am random drug tested, but it is on my bucket list: legalize or decriminalize it, I retire, and I PLAN to smoke it….probably would be a great way to pass the time at the nursing home….
Comment by downstate commissioner Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:54 am
come on legislature. Illinois is in a fiscal pit and we need the money. legalize it, tax it. besides, it’s fun and helpful. Northwestern Hospital just completed a study that shows that cannabinoid has a good effect on seizures in kids. they are headed towards putting that substance in a pill. just move on it so everyone with a headache can just chillegally. (yes, I meant that.) Happy 4 20!
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:58 am
According to the American Scientist article “The Toxocity of Recreational Drugs,” it stated: Drinking a mere 10 times the normal amount of alcohol within 5 or 10 minutes can prove fatal, whereas smoking or eating marijuana might require something like 1,000 times the usual dose to cause death.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 12:05 pm
Illinois has some of the best farming ground in the world. Legalization will allow some of that ground to be devoted to farming Marijuana thus boosting Illinois’ farming industry.
It will also remove those acres from raising corn or soybeans, thereby reducing the surplus of those commodities and stabilizing those prices.
Legalization is a path to economic growth that should be taken seriously.
Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 12:48 pm
A quarter measure at best. Demand side gets a get out of jail free card. While the supply side still includes a cast of (not all!) nefarious actors. Hard to smoke with god (fume con dios) with a conscience of supporting cartels. If
things like that matter to you anyway.
Comment by vole Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 12:50 pm
A Jack: for recreational use Illinois growers would be indoors, but the farmland can still be put to use. non-psychoactive hemp can be grown in between the corn and soybean rotation and used to make everything from clothing to fiberglass to concrete.
Comment by Homer J. Quinn Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 12:58 pm
Loved the freedom
Funny, Amsterdam has restricted access to the coffe houses to tourists to cut down on the weed tourism. Wonder why?
Comment by Plutocrat03 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:01 pm
@ A Jack:
Row after row of marijuana coming soon to a farming community near you! Ha! But seriously, if it is ever legalized at the Federal level that could be a real cash crop for us.
To the article:
Sen. Heather Steans is my State Senator. I don’t partake in the herb myself so the fact that she’s a sponsor of the bill doesn’t matter to me. However, I’ll reelect her just for her response to the opposition. I’m still laughing!
Comment by Chicago_Downstater Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:05 pm
===Amsterdam has restricted access to the coffe houses to tourists to cut down on the weed tourism===
Not when I was there in January.
Just sayin…
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:06 pm
Tax it. Bake it. Less seriously than alcohol? What’s the fine for possession of a 6 pack? Case? Keg?
Comment by Sense of a Goose Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:07 pm
=== You do realize that an ounce is about $350 in street value, right? ===
Not for the good stuff — not even close.
=== Doesn’t it have a ’shelf-life’? ===
Maybe at some point, but you can certainly smoke weed that’s a year or two old. Remember the Roseanne episode where they found and smoked 20 year old weed? I don’t know how true to life that is, but it was a great episode.
Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:43 pm
I have seen hemp growing in northern Illinois. Known locally as “ditch weed.” It will not produce a high if smoked.
I believe my grandfather told me the hemp was brought into the area around WW1 to grow for rope.
Comment by Payback Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:57 pm
Payback: search youtube for “hemp for victory.” it’s a short documentary produced by the USDA in 1942.
Comment by Homer J. Quinn Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:05 pm
You know, when I go down to the Walgreens to fill my Oxy and Adderall prescriptions, and pick up a bottle of Jack Daniels and a pack of Luckys, I don’t want to be accosted by any dangerous, violent potheads like that Willie Nelson.
What’s going to become of that young man, anyway?
Illinois politicians are so far behind the people here.
I’m just afraid that we’ll create a state-sanctioned, clout-heavy, tiny med-mar industry that will be hard to dislodge and broad entrepreneurial opportunities will be lost to states all around us.
For crying out loud, where are the Southern Illinois politicians on this? You know bales of illegal weed are being grown all around you and shipped all over.
Don’t you want to give your folks a chance to get on the ground floor of a new industry in a real big way, legally?
Ground floors don’t last forever, you know. Opportunity’s a-knocking.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:20 pm
Someone should send the 4 leaders and the governor a report on legalized marijuana from the states of CO and WA. IL could learn something from their studies, and replace property taxes with a tax on legalized marijuana.
Make the legalized marijuana bill a temporary five year law to see if that law should sunset or become permanent. Within those 5 years IL will produce new jobs, and have a new revenue source to help IL’s financial problems.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:40 pm
“Hemp for victory” is awesome. but different kind of plant. don’t plant them together or you will literally kill your buzz.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:42 pm
mama: disagree with the sunset provision. if prohibition really does need to be brought back five years after it’s been repealed, the legislature should have to justify it.
Comment by Homer J. Quinn Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:53 pm
Ok - try and get a legalized marijuana bill passed without a sunset clause.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:03 pm
Number of coffee shops falling, down to 165 from more than 400, possession still illegal, does not seem like a positive trend in AMS
Comment by Plutocrat03 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:03 pm
“down to 165 from more than 400…”
Because the Dutch government determined that places can’t sell both pot and alcohol and would have to pick one or the other. Not sure if you can determine any kind of trend from that.
Comment by Juice Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:29 pm
I know CO was able to drop their income tax to zero after they legalized marijuana.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:46 pm
Ignoring the trade is an endorsement for the drug distribution system in place now. We have met the enemy and it is us
Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:18 pm
Colorado could be used as the example. Contact Colorado. Peace
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:38 pm
Colorado could be used as the example. Contact Colorado. Illinois does not need to reinvent this wheel; it is already rolling in Colorado. Peace
Comment by amyphaseshift Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:40 pm
Amsterdam was not eager to embrace the Dutch law that restricts weed sales to tourists. So in their tradition, they may not be enforcing that law. That’s a big loss in tourism revenue. I’ve been to Amsterdam numerous times, and there were still many coffeeshops as recently as a few years ago.
I’ve also observed the American legal recreational market in the last few years in various states. I felt it was an educational mission. As comedian Larry David would say, it works pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.
As I’ve written before–and I think it bears repeating–Colorado reported total sales revenue of nearly $1 billion last year (combined MMJ and recreational). The state has less than half the population size of Illinois, so we have the potential to sell $2 billion or more a year, if done right.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:40 pm
I say legalize it, regulate it, tax it and move on.
Comment by South Illinoisian Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:40 pm
“You want to smoke it for recreational use? Fine. Thanks for your contribution to schools, health care, roads and public workers pensions.”
This is a very responsible view. I believe that more and more Americans are adopting this view.
We should strive to shift the model from one that incarcerates and damages lives–and does nothing to stop the illegal market–into one that sells for private profit and generates tax revenue for the public goods we need.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:54 pm