Can I grow marijuana in Illinois?

In the United States of America, it is only recently that the growing and consumption of marijuana has become legal. In Illinois, medical marijuana became legal in 2012. From 2020, new laws have come into effect. After that, both medicinal and recreational marijuana use has become legal. However, medical marijuana can be grown by people with medical cards only. Strict rules, therefore, allow the growing of up to 5 marijuana plants in a single house. 21 years is the minimum legal age to grow marijuana in Illinois.

Everything you need to know about growing marijuana in Illinois!

Many of the states in America have legalized marijuana. Medical marijuana can treat several medical conditions, for example:

• Cancer
• Pain
• Eating disorders
• HIV/ AIDS
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Alzheimer's disease
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Seizures
• others

Are there any restrictions to consume and grow marijuana in Illinois?

The Illinoisan government has made medicinal and recreational marijuana legal. However, there are some rules that the residents need to follow:

• Medical marijuana can be grown by medical cardholders and medical patients only.
• You should be a minimum of 21 years of age to grow and consume marijuana.
• Growing marijuana in Illionis for personal use is strictly illegal.
• It is illegal in Illinois for minors to grow, sell or consume marijuana. There are strict laws for it.
• You can drive after consuming or smoking marijuana. The government of Illinois has strict fines for growing marijuana in Illinois.

Concerning the recreational weed use of marijuana in Illinois

As per the 2019 Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act:

• The limit for growing marijuana in Illionis is set at up to 30 grams for marijuana flowers. The marijuana concentrate limit is 5 grams. The THC limit in marijuana-containing products is 500 milligrams.
• For people visiting Illinois from out of state, the marijuana limit is half of the above.
• Smoking or consuming marijuana in public properties is banned. This includes parks, restaurants, any place open to public use for growing marijuana in Illinois.
• Smoking or consuming marijuana on school premises is strictly illegal.
• You can smoke marijuana only in private properties and marijuana shops. Importantly, you need permission from the landlord to do so.
• Only licensed stores can sell recreational marijuana in Illinois.
• In Illinois, the recreational use of marijuana is $1.6 billion. It is the 11 state to permit recreational marijuana.

Concerning the medical use of marijuana in Illinois

In August 2013, Illinois became the 20th state to legalize medical marijuana. This was possible because of the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program or MCPP act. In August 2013, this law permitted medical marijuana use for growing marijuana in Illinois.

It allows up to two and a half ounces of marijuana every 14-day period for medical patients. You can smoke medical marijuana in Illinois only on your private properties. If you do not own the property then permission from the landlord will be required.

How many marijuana plants can I grow?

In Illinois, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act came into effect last year. This Act took a year to come into effect. According to this Act,

• You cannot grow marijuana for recreational use.
• You need a medical ID for growing marijuana.
• They can grow up to 5 plants which can be 5 inches or higher.
• Not following these rules, will result in a fine of $200.

Where can you grow marijuana in Illinois?

In Illinois, you can grow marijuana plants on your private property only. If you are not the owner, then the landlord's permission will be required. These plants should be kept away from children. They should be grown in closed spaces. Marijuana plants should be kept away from the public.

Can I sell marijuana in Illinois?

The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act have brought about a major change for growing marijuana in Illinois. Only marijuana shops with licenses are allowed to sell marijuana. The following businesses have the license to sell marijuana:

• Craft growers, it was only in 2020 that they were added to this list.
• Centers that cultivate marijuana.
• Processors
• Businesses that transport marijuana
• Businesses that sell marijuana

These licenses are given after the Illinois government performs strict background checks. Marijuana can be sold to an adult above 21 years of age for growing marijuana in Illinois. However, there is a limit to the amount of marijuana that can be sold. The marijuana limit is set at up to 30 grams of marijuana flower. The marijuana concentrate limit is 5 grams. The THC limit in the marijuana-containing product is 500 milligrams.

Importantly, 75 licenses were allowed because of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act for recreational marijuana use. However, none of these 75 licenses have been awarded till now.

Do you need a Marijuana Card?

Yes, you do need a card to consume or growing marijuana in Illinois. Patients can qualify for the marijuana card if they are the residents of Illinois. Other than that, if they have any of the following conditions for example:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Autism
• Irritable Bowel Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Parkinson's disease
• Lupus

In total, the government of Illinois has approved 30 conditions that qualify for the card.

However, doctor’s approval is also required for obtaining a medical card for growing marijuana in Illinois. It is only if the patient falls under any of the above conditions to obtain the card.

Once the approval form is received then the patients can apply for a medical card. This medical card allows the patients to use medical marijuana. According to the government database, 154965 patients have applied for this medical card.

The following documents along with the application are required to apply for a medical card:

• Proof of residency
• A passport-sized photo
• Application fee
• Proof of identity
• Proof of age

In some cases, medical marijuana is allowed for children under the age of 18. To obtain this, 2 doctors need to submit their approval. One of the doctors gives a certificate. The other doctor needs to check this certificate. Additionally, one caregiver is also required.

In conclusion, marijuana helps in the treatment of various diseases. To avoid minors from abusing marijuana, the use of marijuana is controlled by State laws. With time, these laws have relaxed. This has made marijuana easily available for use.