Illinois becomes the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2020, but there are still limits in place you should know. 

Just because recreational marijuana possession and usage will be legal, starting next year, doesn't mean you can just spark up wherever and whenever you want. There will still be many limitations in place.

THE LAW (effective 1/1/20): It will be legal for Illinois residents, 21 and older, to purchase and possess up to one ounce (30 grams) of useable marijuana at a time.

  • You CAN smoke it at home
  • You CAN'T smoke it in public
  • Local governments CAN decide if on-premises consumption of marijuana is allowed at marijuana-related business establishments within their jurisdiction
  • You CAN'T smoke it near anyone under 21 years of age (unless they're a licensed medical patient)
  • Landlords CAN prohibit you from using it on their premises
  • You CAN'T consume it and operate a car, boat or plane.
  • You CAN have it in your car, but it most be secured, in a sealed container and reasonably inaccessible while the vehicle is moving.
  • You CAN'T consume marijuana if you're a school bus driver, police officer, firefighter or corrections officer while you're on duty.
  • You CAN'T consume it if the residence is used as a child care facility.
  • Employers CAN continue drug-free workplaces and zero-tolerance drug-use policies provided they are nondiscriminatory

For a more detailed look at all of this law's provisions, click HERE.

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