But just because Cheech and Chong can have nice dreams, it doesn’t mean that they can do so in their 1964 Impala Super Sport. There are still laws that make cannabis consumption in public illegal.
Illinois has seen a large uptick in tourism since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2020. But just because Cheech and Chong can have nice dreams, it doesn’t mean that they can do so in their 1964 Impala Super Sport. There are still laws that make cannabis consumption in public illegal. However, some people have already made efforts to combat this by opening cannabis consumption lounges such as The Luna Lounge in Sesser, Illinois. But even with businesses such as The Luna Lounge in operation, people still have to transport their cannabis.
Under Illinois statute, those who are of legal age can transport cannabis within the state. However, the cannabis must be kept in a sealed, child-proof container that isn’t accessible to the driver while the car is being operated. The best practice is to place the purchased cannabis in the rear of the vehicle and not open the container until you have safely reached your destination.
It is still illegal in Illinois to consume cannabis in a car. This goes for both the driver and any passengers. It is also illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of cannabis. If you are caught driving under the influence, you face the same penalties as someone driving under the influence of alcohol. The law isn’t just limited to cars; boats, aircrafts, and basically anything with a motor cannot be operated while under the influence of cannabis.
Individuals should also remember to be aware of any rules regarding cannabis limits in the state. In-state residents can possess either: a) Five grams of cannabis concentrate b) As many as 500 milligrams of products infused with THC or c) 30 grams of cannabis flower. For out-of-state residents, these amounts are cut in half.
The next time you head to your dispensary of choice, keep these rules in mind. It may feel nice to cruise down the road burning cannabis in your car, but doing so puts yourself and others in danger. Please remember to consume cannabis and alcohol safely and responsibly. If it’s been alleged that you failed to act in accordance with the law, contact our office for a consultation.