The Chicago Tribune reports that Mayor Rahm Emanuel will ask Illinois Lawmakers to decriminalize marijuana, and to reduce the charges for possession of one gram or less of any controlled substance to a misdemeanor. Currently, the penalty for simple possession of marijuana can range from a Class C Misdemeanor, for less than 2.5 grams, to a Class 1 Felony for possession of more than 5,000 grams. Possession of Cannabis with intent to deliver is a separate offense that carries stiffer penalties, and nothing in the Tribune report indicates that Rahm’s proposal would reduce, or eliminate that charge.

Chicago already has an ordinance, passed in 2012, which allows police to issue civil citations for simple possession of marijuana. Other states have decriminalized marijuana, but the mayor’s proposal to reduce the charges for possession of one gram or less of any controlled substance to a misdemeanor might be the first of it’s kind. We at LauraLaw don’t know of any state that has reduced it’s penalties in such a way.

If you have any questions about the laws concerning cannabis, or other controlled substances, contact us at LauraLaw.