On October 8, the Newton Rotary Club learned about the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, a law that will legalize marijuana for recreational use on January 1, 2020. Jasper County State’s Attorney Chad Miller (left) carefully outlined the details of this law. Although medical marijuana has been legal in Illinois for a while, in January it will expand to include recreational use for persons age 21 and older, and after that date laws for possession of less than 30 grams cannot be enforced. Medical marijuana laws will also be expanded at that time to allow easier access and ability to grow a limited number of plants at home. Users cannot use and drive, and can still get a DUI if found driving under the influence. Part of the new law dictates that any marijuana must be transported in a “odorless container”. Local governments still have control over whether or not a town or county will allow a dispensary, and can have ordinances to control regulation oversight and taxation. Recreational is taxed at a higher rate than medical. Employers will still have control over policies that maintain a drug-free workplace. Although there is a lot of criticism about this, many communities in Illinois will benefit from the creation of jobs as this industry develops, and product will be taxed at the State and Local level to help support our tax base. Some community colleges are offering classes in plant handling to help the workforce prepare for these specialized jobs. Each local government can decide if they want to open their community for this type of new business, or they can choose whether or not to allow dispensaries to open. Some towns may decide not to have a dispensary, but might allow “social use spaces” where people can use, but not buy or sell, marijuana products. That would be regulated much like current non-smoking laws in Illinois, but would need to be a formal club or organization for this allowance. City zoning also helps determine what options can be chosen. Rotarian and Newton Mayor Mark Bolander (right), who was the day’s chairman, added that no decision has been reached by either the City of Newton, nor the County of Jasper. There will be a hearing, open to the public, at Newton High School on Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m. to obtain public input.
