Contributor: KC Scannell
Long before marijuana legalization was even a possibility, us, cannabis enthusiasts, were left to daydream about a world wherein weed was not only accepted, but embraced. Visions of smoke-filled cars driving happy people to work on the roadways, while pedestrians passed pipes to one another, seemed like the perfect version of society. An open-smoke policy, if you will. This sort of dream was one of the main things powering us through those dark times of prohibition.
But, as the years have progressed, so has cannabis acceptance. More and more states are finally deciding that it’s time to legalize cannabis. The number of ways the state (and citizens) can benefit from such a political move are endless. It’s really an amazing time to be alive, especially if you’re a cannabis enthusiast.
Illinois Releases Powerful Statement About Public Marijuana Consumption
However, as our early hazy dreams of a marijuana-fueled world are slowly becoming a reality, there’s one glowing characteristic of our previous visions that hasn’t come to fruition just yet. And that’s the ability to fire up wherever you’d like.
I mean, can you even imagine how satisfying it would be to spark up a solid joint after chowing down on a big ol’ meal? How cool would it be to pass a blunt around in a packed bar with your buddies? I could go on and on, but I fear that I’d only be setting myself up for a huge letdown when I realize that may never happen.
And what’s really depressing is Illinois was so close to making this their reality! Seriously.
They were a month or so away from various bars, restaurants, and cafes allowing customers to smoke as much as they please. It was even written into the new law that’s set to go into effect January 1, 2020 that would make recreational cannabis legal in the state of Illinois.
But, a few naysayers noticed this part of the legislation, and felt compelled to stop it before it went into effect. Which, as you can probably assume, served to be a tremendous bummer to not only cannabis enthusiasts in the state looking forward to such an experience, but to the multiple owners and proprietors of establishments that were looking to capitalize on the legalization of recreational cannabis in Illinois.
In this case, it seems like a real “lose, lose” situation.
All is not lost, however. The law will still allow certain dispensaries to open up smoke lounges, but they would have to sell cannabis on-site in order to do so. If they didn’t, technically, they’d be breaking the law. But, when you think about it, if these dispensaries weren’t selling cannabis, they wouldn’t, technically, be “dispensaries,” right?
So, I suppose such a detail is redundant. Either way, if you’re looking to smoke a little herb outside of your home in Illinois, you’ll only be able to do so in one of these government sanctioned locations. Which isn’t all-bad, but it’s definitely not as cool as being able to light up in any of those aforementioned locations. That scenario would’ve been ideal, in my personal opinion.
This “dream law” was originally signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. And it’s not like it was just snuck into the fine print near the legalization date, in hopes of “pulling a fast one” on any of its opponents. Quite the contrary, this was part of the overall bill from the start, it’s just been overlooked since June.
This newly-terminated piece of legislation would’ve legally granted certain establishments the right to allow their customers to smoke cannabis. But, once this got out to the public, a number of health advocates simply wouldn’t let such a detail stand. They claimed that allowing this sort of thing to happen would cause a major health risk. And, to be fair, they have a bit of a point. But, not one large enough to call for the elimination of such a groundbreaking law.
Oh well.
So, for the time being, cannabis consumption is only allowed in places that sell marijuana. Think of it in the same way a cigar store operates. Those places usually have a little lounge for their loyal customers to smoke on a stogie (or two). That same mentality will be in place at most dispensaries, though smoking at a bar or restaurant would’ve been so much better.
There’s a litany of other cannabis-related information that all Illinois residents should be aware of before recreational marijuana goes into effect in January. Like, transportation, for example. No, you’re not required to take a special bus in order to visit a dispensary or anything like that. I’m talking about folks who want to venture across state lines with bud bought in Illinois. You won’t be able to legally do that, regardless of if it was bought in a legal dispensary or not.
Those states still consider cannabis to be a federally illegal drug, and they won’t hesitate to punish any person thinking about trafficking bud back into their marijuana-free state. Sorry, those are just the rules.
And, for any out-of-towners planning a cannabis-infused trip to the great state of Illinois, that same rule applies (obviously). So, if you pick up any bud from a legitimate cannabis club, you’ll need to finish it at a friend’s place, or at one of these smoke lounges that are likely to pop up to fill this very need. Which could serve as a major bummer to some, but hopefully, in due time, your state will legalize cannabis, too. Then the whole issue will be a non-starter. However, until then, it’s best to play by the rules, because the penalties for ignoring their intricate regulations on marijuana are often pretty hefty.
At the end of the day, I suppose it’s not fair to be knit-picky and childish about a few rules and regulations. Marijuana is legal and that’s all that matters.
With the passing of such a life-changing law, the need for education about the intricate ways society will change is incredibly important. People must become familiar with the upcoming laws that are being put into place regarding cannabis and its use. But it’s just as critical for folks to teach themselves as much as they can about marijuana.
Knowing how certain products are going to affect you will make the cannabis buying experience that much more enjoyable. Trust me. Sure, it’s fun to go in blind and randomly select a few items here and there. Hell, I even do that myself whenever I see something I’ve never picked up before.
But, when you are aware of what sort of strains, or products, help you get the most out of marijuana, the end result is often far more positive, then perhaps, picking up a product that leads to overthinking and/or anxiety.
I mean, we’re all partaking in marijuana to relieve ourselves of stress – not add to it, right? So, take the time to read up on the various products and strains available in your area. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your budtender for help. That’s why they’re there, after all.
Some cannabis consumers can be too shy about opening up to their budtender for help. They feel like they will be judged for their lack of knowledge. That simply isn’t the case. These brilliant employees exist solely to help you get the much-needed relief you so desperately desire.
So, ask questions – you’ll be happy that you did.
