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* WSIL TV report entitled “How soon could recreational marijuana be legal in Illinois?”…
“If [the gubernatorial candidate who wins] is in favor of the idea and would be less likely to veto it, then it’s got a much better chance in the Spring of 2019,” said political expert Jak Tichenor with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.
Tichenor said polls show 2/3 of Illinois voters, or 66 percent, are in favor of making it legal if it’s taxed and sold like alcohol. Democratic candidate for governor, J.B Pritzker, feels the same. […]
Estimates show legalization could make Illinois between $350 million to $700 million a year. Tichenor said there’s no dismissing the fact that Illinois is in desperate need of money, but despite that, many lawmakers aren’t yet on board.
“This is still a very difficult sell for downstate lawmakers who tend to be much more conservative,” said Tichenor. […]
“You’re going to see this issue really come to the forefront over the next few months and over the next year,” said Tichenor.
* The Question: How soon could recreational marijuana be legal in Illinois? Make sure to explain your answer, please. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:04 pm
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2020. It’s illegal under federal law. Won’t be legal until the president house and Senate are less conservative
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:07 pm
It’ll probably happen, the trend is going towards legalization for pot, but it’s a coin toss as to when. Frankly most people probably shouldn’t be smoking pot or alcohol (or eating cheeseburgers), but the liberals are usually the ones pushing the nanny state agenda and they want pot legal. The arguments the conservatives use about how “dangerous” it is is just sound hollower and hollower each year. That being said, there’s still a lot of knee jerk push back. So I give between 5 and 10 years, but that’s a random guess.
Comment by Perrid Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:12 pm
2020 at absolute earliest. Way to many fish to fry in 2019 before any new gov can turn to legalization. More likely than not a dem gov will first add wide ranging conditions to med cann program (chronic pain) as that can be done without any legislation at all.
Comment by Illinoisian Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:13 pm
Not soon enough. We need the tax revenue and there is no reason for it to be illegal.
Comment by Ron Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:14 pm
We’re a liberal state. We are open to it.
Let’s not rush into it, and let other states get a head start. Therefore we can anticipate issues with legalization.
JB supposedly is for it.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:14 pm
Mimic Colorado’s model since that seems to be working well.
Comment by Belle Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:19 pm
“Let’s not rush into it, and let other states get a head start”
Um, we’re well past rushing into it. We need to be the first in the mid west.
Comment by Ron Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:22 pm
$500,000,000 annually will help with those pensions.
Comment by Ron Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Realistically I think 2020. This would require Pritzker winning, as Rauner and Kennedy would be opposed. I doubt Pritzker has marijuana legalization at the absolute top of his priority list, nor would he probably want it to be his first accomplishment. There would probably be hearings etc in 2019 and real legislation in 2020.
Comment by TopHatMonocle Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Soon man. Real soon. Just need to educate the folks that the founding fathers grew it and presumably enjoyed it.
Look no further than the father of our country, George Washington. And behind every good man there is a woman, and that woman was Martha Washington, man, and everyday George would come home, she would have a big fat bowl waiting for him, man, when he come in the door, man, she was a hip, hip, hip lady, man.
Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:24 pm
Not soon enough.
Vote already.
Comment by 33rd ward Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:25 pm
With Sessions in office, 2020 is the earliest. Will Illinois realize that the first Midwest state that legalizes gets the lion’s share of tax revenue and “pot tourism”?
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:25 pm
IL needs to recreationalize marijuana as soon as it it possible, in order to achieve the economic boom that CO experienced. Eventually, with an administration change, marijuana will be federally legalized. If IL wants to experience the tourism boost, IL will have to be a front runner in ending marijuana prohibition.
Comment by InvolvedMillennial Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:27 pm
===Um, we’re well past rushing into it. We need to be the first in the mid west.===
Totally agree, Ron. Just think how much business from surrounding states Illinois would get. Trust me, average folks who enjoy a little smoke would prefer to buy it legally even if it is still illegal in their state. Who wants to consort with a criminal if they don’t have to? To the question, if Pritzker wins the primary and the general, it will probably be in motion throughout 2019 and become legal in 2020.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:28 pm
Based on how long it takes Illinois to pass anything that is ground breaking, and to hammer out all of the rules for it I would say right after it is legalised in 42 other States.
Comment by SOIL M Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:31 pm
If it passes in May 2018, there are a couple options.
1. DFPR adopts emergency rules covering the build out of the current licensed dispensaries. Most dispensaries need separate doors for adult use and medical. These facilities could be operational within 3 months.
2. If expanding number of dispensaries, then 3-5 months to score applications and 3-6 months to convert a space into a dispensary.
3. Cultivators would need to set aside enough product to ensure medical still had access. This was a issue in other states.
So, on a phased in approach 6months after the effective date. If no phased in approach, then 1 year after the effective date.
Comment by Collect Call from Rod Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:33 pm
2-3 years. I’m in some agreement with Tichenor about this. I think there will be an expansion of Med Mar first. There’s a wave on this topic and it’s moving at a steady clip. It will pick up momentum. The legislature is likely to get a lot younger in the next assembly. It shouldn’t take more than 2 cycles and it very well could only take this one.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:34 pm
I’ve always said never is too soon and I maintain that position.
Comment by Saluki Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:39 pm
I’d say 2019 at the earliest, but a Democrat would have to be governor.
There are possibly not enough Democratic votes now. Maybe if Democrats do well in 2018, the votes would come around.
I think it’s worth the fight to legalize marijuana. MMJ and SSM legalization didn’t succeed during the first legislative attempt, I think. It took another try. Marijuana legalization proponents should be determined to get it passed. I would like to help out and volunteer at a grassroots level (no pun intended).
It’s much better to me to legalize marijuana and help out the economy and get tax revenue, rather than Rauner’s anti-union policies. Last I read, around a few weeks ago, Colorado’s really raking in sales revenue, surpassing last year.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:41 pm
“500,000,000 annually will help with those pensions.”
Hmm, Colorado did 63M in pot taxes in 2015, adjusting for population and assuming the same per capita rate of consumption yields an estimated 147M in tax revenue for Illinois. How do we arrive at 500M? Higher taxes? Higher individual rates of consumption? A cautionary note. There is a component of cannabis tourism at play in the states allowing recreational pot. Whatever that component is, it will go away as more states allow recreational use.
Less than 150M revenue in this state solves nothing.
Comment by plutocrat03 Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:42 pm
– How soon could recreational marijuana be legal in Illinois? –
As scheduled right now, the soonest it could be legal would be January 30, 2018. That’s the first day both chambers are back at the Capitol. In theory, they could push in through on a concurrence in one day with an immediate effective date and deliver to Rauner’s desk for a signature.
Next question.
Q: Is any of that going to happen?
A: No.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:49 pm
Illinois Needs To Be 1st In Midwest To Legalize.. We Need Indiana, Wisconsin,Iowa, Ohio, Revenues… 100 Million? Yes.
Comment by Shake Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:56 pm
“Hmm, Colorado did 63M in pot taxes in 2015″
Double that for 2015.
And 2016 was $193,000,000.
Jan-Oct 2017 is over $205,000,000.
Comment by Ron Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:06 pm
Illinois will easily double what CO takes in.
Comment by Ron Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:07 pm
April 20 seems like a good day for a vote. No?
Illinois being Illinois, I would assume once it’s done it will be like med mar, and it will be so expensive that people will still just buy it illegally. Then once it catches on in surrounding states, it will be just like gas, smokes, and booze. The hottest places to sell it will be right across the border.
Comment by m Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:13 pm
Colorado is pulling in $20 Million a month in tax revenue. It seems to keep growing. Seems to be weakness is liquor sales in the 20 something market in States with recreational cannabis. Flat sales rather than two or three percent growth.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:16 pm
2020 sounds realistic. The MCPP is set to expire and the transition could be made assuming the medical cannabis industry doesn’t kill it to keep their marketshare. Give the industry a little time as the only game in town and then open it up for the small business entrepreneur with a focus on communities that have been disproportionately incarcerated for crimes that are now legal. A Dem. governor is the only way though, even a lame duck BVR probably wouldn’t sign this bill. However, if Uline is funding Proft and Proft works to get Rauner unelected Uline’s pet issue of anti-pot could get tossed out of the door for BVR. Lame duck 2018 will be the best time for the ILGA to pass a legalization bill until lame duck 2020.
Comment by frisbee Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:24 pm
Since this state can’t do anything right, I’d guess it will be legal here right after it’s legalized in Mississippi and Alabama.
Comment by Collinsville Kevin Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:25 pm
Since this state can’t do anything right, I’d guess it will be legal here right after it’s legalized in Mississippi and Alabama.”
Sad, but likely true.
Comment by Ron Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:35 pm
Saw this on WSIL this morning and when they stated
“Tichenor said polls show 2/3 of Illinois voters, or 66 percent, are in favor of making it legal if it’s taxed and sold like alcohol.”
A friend watching the news with me stated the percentage would be that even if they didn’t tax it.
To the post, as liberal as Illinois has become, 2020 is realistic.
Comment by NobodysAccountable Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:47 pm
What year does the Wirtz family acquire monopoly power in the legal pot business. That year.
Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:48 pm
Like fracking, Illinois will dither until the market passes us by. We’ll endlessly quibble over regulations and rules and minutia while other, more nimble states, let their market take root and thrive. The time to do this was one year after Colorado. Knowing that, TII, we’ll wait until one year after IN, WI, MO, KY, IA legalize.
Illinois, where we always do the right thing, but only after doing it every other way first.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:48 pm
Yesterday.
Comment by Just Observing Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 1:55 pm
Imagine the best-timed, most lucrative moment for legalization that would yield the maximum impact for tax revenues, beating our neighbors to the punch and establishing a competitive edge on the industry in the Midwest.
…Then add in years of meaningless legislative debate, bureaucratic rule-making and the creation of a labyrinth-like regulatory framework that involves extortionate application fees that squeeze out anyone other than well-connected insiders. Tack on another year or so of cushion time to allow individual localities to create their own zoning restrictions and red-tape to further strangle the nascent industry.
So sometime around 2026, Illinois residents will be able to buy $140 eighths at one of three fully-legal “Berrios’ Bud Shack” locations, conveniently located in Joliet, Quincy and Mattoon.
Comment by sulla Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 2:12 pm
Legal rec marijuana? OK. That include the backyard garden plants next to the tomatoes and peppers?
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 2:30 pm
Legalize crystal meth and crack.
Comment by Do it all Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 2:45 pm
July 1, 2019–Gov Pritzker signs the bill in late June of 2019
Comment by Pyrman Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:04 pm
My best guess would be that it will be legal after the state foregoes another $1B in tax revenue, and the cartels and street gangs pocket another $10B in sales.
Comment by igotgotgotgotnotime Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:05 pm
as soon as madigan wants to put the govenor in the trick box, or make my new govenor a hero
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:16 pm
As someone who grew up in southern Illinois I don’t understand why southern Illinois law makers are a hard sell to the idea of marijuana. Many a country roads are littered with roaches.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:27 pm
Only a handful of Republicans even supported medical marijuana. Consequently, legalization wouldn’t get much GOP help. So passage depends upon electing a Dem governor and more Dems in the House.
Comment by anon2 Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:36 pm
Earliest will be after 2018 elections.
Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:40 pm
4-20 2019 with a Dem governor.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 4:36 pm
2019, if one of the Dems wins as governor. If it’s Ives or Rauner, I have my doubts, although Rauner’s been known to flip.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 5:38 pm
Ron. I agree with you often. A $500,000,000 windfall to our state will only result in more programs. Probably patronage jobs.
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 5:38 pm
It is God’s medicine. It is a plant that has many benefits for all different types of symptoms. I think it should’ve never been illegal, but rather studied and researched. Alcohol should’ve been illegal kept on the black market.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 5:58 pm
12-18 months after effective date. Maybe less now that Washington and Colorado have an established infrastructure that Illinois may use as a blueprint.
Comment by Flip357 Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 7:49 pm
If New Jersey goes I think resistence will start to crumble
Comment by JoeNitro Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 9:29 pm