Illinois is a state that has recently joined the cannabis race with some fairly clear laws about usage and possession. On top of that, there are several organizations that have been put into place. That still doesn’t make it easier to understand how to use medical marijuana in the Prairie State.
A bonus is that Illinois helps the cannabis user, and the cannabis provider by providing specific low-rate loans and waivers on starting up a cannabis-related business! Prior to the bill allowing recreational cannabis, medical cannabis had been in use for several years.
The state has a patient program available with medical marijuana cards and a network of doctors who understand the benefits and uses of marijuana. Here are some of the laws and nuances of Illinois medical use to help you use your medical marijuana responsibly.
The Law
Compassionate Use Act – 2013
One of the main ways states enter into medical marijuana is through a compassionate use act. This act is still in place for Illinois despite the progression of marijuana laws. This is due to the conflict between federal and state laws.
Because marijuana is not federally legal, the Compassionate Use Act helps protect those who use the substance under specific circumstances. Some of the general diseases and ailments that are allowed under the Compassionate Use Acts are:
- Epilepsy
- Parkinsons
- Migraines
- Pain related to cancer or incurable diseases
American Disability Association
The ADA is one of the biggest allies in cases where you use medical marijuana because of a disability. They help in ensuring that workplaces follow state laws down to every nuance.
When you are a disabled person, it can be difficult to find people or organizations to help advocate for your situation. That is what the ADA does. If you encounter any issues using or receiving your medical marijuana prescription for a diagnosed disability, a great place to start is going to be the ADA.
Illinois Human Rights Act – 1979 and 2020
This is where Illinois stands above other states in its preparation and regulation of medical marijuana. The Human Rights Act was put into place much like Title IX protection in the workplace.
Fast forward to 2020 and the act is updated to include a committee of individuals to make case-related choices. Not only that, but this committee can help advocate for individuals if the committee views a ruling as unjust. Needless to say, the IHRA works very closely with members of the ADA.
Cannabis Act
The cannabis act is what has allowed Illinois citizens to recreationally use marijuana. The only reason that this is mentioned, is because the Cannabis Act protects your right to have as much cannabis as your doctor recommends.
Buying and Using
In Public Spaces
It is absolutely against the law to smoke cannabis in public places such as parks and streets. You also cannot smoke around minors, active duty officers, or individuals who operate vehicles, or on school grounds. The only exception here is medical users: you can smoke on school grounds if you are part of the medical marijuana program.
Inside the Workplace/Locations
This rule of thumb is pretty cut and clear.
If a sign says that you can’t smoke inside of a location, you can’t smoke inside. Any business is allowed to put a no smoking sign and enforce their business rules. It is completely acceptable to ask a business if it is okay if you step outside to take your medical marijuana.
Outside the Workplace/Locations
This separation in/outside a workplace has been the cause of several issues since the legalization of marijuana. Some businesses will not allow you to smoke inside or take your medical marijuana inside, however, they might allow you to do so outside.
This situation is more prevalent in the workplace as individuals with medical marijuana prescriptions may have jobs where they cannot smoke or be under any influence. If you have a job where you can take medical marijuana, work with your supervisor or human resources department to come to an agreement that keeps you healthy and complies with company rules.
In Your Home
This is short and sweet: you are allowed to smoke/take medical marijuana on your own property unless otherwise agreed on in a lease or renters agreement. You can even buy and grow cannabis seeds for home cultivation purposes.
Conclusion
The use of medical marijuana is expanding as more research comes out. Because you have access to the frontline of medicine, it means that there are going to be more laws and regulations.
For first-time users, this can be pretty scary. If you are ever not sure about a law, or research doesn’t give you any answers, go to your local dispensary and talk to your budtenders. They are literal fountains of knowledge!
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