Illinois wants to legalize recreational cannabis

The state of Illinois is expected to begin the process of legalizing recreational cannabis use in the coming weeks. The bill proposed in the House of Representatives is being pushed by Republican lawmakers. Unlike the eight other states that have legalized cannabis through ballot initiatives, Illinois is taking a top-down approach through its lawmakers.

Fill the coffers and curb traffic

Tax revenue and the fight against the black market are the two main arguments put forward by Republicans Kelly Cassidy and Heather Steans. The bill calls for full regulation of recreational cannabis. Possession of it was already decriminalized in Illinois. «Cannabis prohibition is a quagmire that creates more problems than anything else. Several states have adopted alternatives to prohibition; it’s time for Illinois to develop its exit strategy. Regulating cannabis and overseeing its production, distribution, and sale will make our community safer.»

Heather Steans continues: »Right now, all the money spent on cannabis goes into the pockets of traffickers and cartels. In a regulated system, the money will go to professionals who pay taxes. These taxes will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the state. Prohibition is a financial black hole on the ground; we need to regulate it.».

Marijuana Policy Project in the Spotlight

Behind this initiative is the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). The organization helped draft the bill that will be considered by the Illinois committee. According to the MPP, the 750,000 marijuana users in Illinois would spend each year 327 metric tons of goods. 97% of these 327 metric tons came from the black market.

Based on this association’s recommendations, wholesale cannabis should be taxed in two parts. First, wholesale sales will be taxed at a rate of 50$ per 28 grams, regardless of price. The end consumer should pay 6.25 % in taxes on their bag. 30% of the tax revenue will be reinvested in education, 10 % in assistance for problem users, 10% in prevention, and 50% in the general budget.

Based on figures from Colorado, experts from the association estimate that Illinois could see between 349 and 700 million in tax revenue. That’s a range from one to two times the current amount—it’s not easy to predict the future.