Contributor: Eric Bloom
Only a small subsection of the population in Illinois isn’t counting down the days until recreational cannabis goes into effect in January. Which is probably why it was only a matter of time before this midwestern state decided to expand its med-only efforts to help anyone over the age of 21 legally get their hands on some therapeutic bud. The same story could be told for any number of states that are currently on the verge of legalizing recreational cannabis, as well. The changing of the tides in the direction of marijuana has really been a sight to behold, and the wave of full acceptance feels like it’s only months away.
There are so many companies champing at the bit to get their feet in the cannabis game in Illinois. Not only is this an up-and-coming marijuana region, but experts say they will become one of the top ganja states in a matter of a few years. Needless to say, there is money to be made out here, so it stands to reason that there will be dispensaries on almost every corner, right?
Well, in a perfect world, yes. But that won’t be the case in Illinois, I’m afraid.
Illinois has done its best to learn from predecessor states that have already legalized cannabis. One of the states they look to most for marijuana-related inspiration is California, and rightfully so. That coastal mecca of marijuana has been on the forefront of all things cannabis for years now, so if they have certain rules and regulations in place, chances are they were put there for good reason.
One of these aforementioned pieces of legislation has to do with various cities and townships being in the driver’s seat when it comes to dispensaries opening up within their borders. If the residents who live in these areas welcome such a business, they can help facilitate their establishment by, effectively, getting out of the way and letting them do their thing. But, should a smattering of the population oppose these sorts of locations, they can voice their opposition to their local government officials.
These lawmakers will take their thoughts and protests into consideration. And, should they deem them admissible, they will forbid any cannabis company or dispensary from doing business within their borders. Which makes sense from certain standpoints; nobody should be forced to endure a company that rubs them the wrong way. The only thing I really have an issue with is the reason why most of these people are anti-cannabis in the first place. Their dislike is mostly rooted in miseducation and stereotypes.
These negative images and opinions, though not as prevalent as they used to be, are still the motivating factors for people to stubbornly oppose marijuana, without even considering the facts. These folks would rather listen to fake propaganda and the federal government, instead of making up their own minds. Which, in itself, is abundantly sad. But that doesn’t mean their minds can’t be changed through education. Or, at least, that’s my optimistic approach to it.
One of the things these people hold onto for dear life, when trying to argue their point to a pro-marijuana advocate, is crime. These people blame cannabis (and other drugs) for crime in their respective areas. They often pull out arrest records and jail statistics to back up their ridiculous claims. But these statements are asinine.
Cannabis should’ve been decriminalized eons ago, and the fact the federal government dragged its feet on such an issue is appalling. Also, with Congress considering marijuana a “Schedule One” substance, that does nothing but hurt the cannabis community and cannabis research, in general.
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It also makes it easier for police to have an excuse to arrest minorities for offenses of this nature. It’s all a disgusting cycle of corruption. But, with marijuana becoming more and more accepted, states that have allowed its sale and use, are beginning to see just how wrong they’ve been.
It looks like places, such as Illinois, are attempting to “right” that “wrong” though a series of marijuana-related endeavors. One of which includes the official expungement of over 1,000 minor marijuana charges from people’s records. This may not sound like much, but it’s going to improve the lives of every single one of those Illinois residents, who has had to deal with such a glaring blemish on their record for years.
If you’ve never had to consider the ramifications of such a charge, you should consider yourself privileged. These sorts of charges can affect a person’s life in a number of different, negative ways. They could be denied a loan, housing, and even employment – just because they were caught with under 30 grams of cannabis once in their past.
Which is crazy to think about. Just a few short years ago, an Illinois resident could be locked up for that very same charge. However, once 2020 arrives, they’ll be able to have that much on them – and then some. It’s truly mind-blowing to think how far we’ve come as a society, in that regard.
Also, seeing as how some folks still have this on their records, it only makes sense that they’d like to see it erased, right along with every law that was once against cannabis. I mean, that only seems fair at the end of the day, in my opinion. And that’s exactly what’s going to happen in Illinois.
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While this is starting out in Cook County, this is likely to be the beginning of a forgiving trend, as marijuana becomes a bigger part of society. So, even though this will only change the lives of 1,000 or so people this time around, the next batch may be even larger, and potentially in a different county, altogether. But, it should be noted that Chicago is located in Cook County, so the amount of unjust arrests that took place in this region involving marijuana was likely larger than in other areas of the state.
Regardless of when or how these expungements will proceed onward into the future, the fact remains that this is a massive victory for the cannabis community. The main goal is help normalize marijuana in the world.
The unfair, negative stigmas that have been attached to cannabis must be removed, and replaced with a realistic, more positive interpretation of how marijuana can improve one’s overall quality of life. Of course, the passing of recreational cannabis is a gigantic leap in the right direction, but the only way to keep things moving forward towards progress is with little steps, like the expungement of cannabis convictions from people’s records.
2020 is going to be a historic year for the fine people of Illinois. The passing of recreational cannabis is nothing short of amazing, and the wealth of revenue that it’s promising to deliver to the state is astronomical. If everything goes according to plan, and the cannabis enthusiasts live up to their promises of regular purchases, there’s really no telling how profitable Illinois will become because of marijuana. But, seeing as how things are already trending nicely with their med-only consumers, chances are their tax-based takeaway will grow by an exponential margin when the new year arrives.
