Imagine being a drug dealer in a state like Illinois that recently legalized marijuana. Illinois drug dealers have lost the majority of their cannabis customer base in Illinois. Now that marijuana is legalized in several states, drug dealers and cartels are turning to selling harder drugs to maintain profits.
Since Colorado and Washington state legalized the recreational use of cannabis six years ago, the variety of cannabis products has expanded. Cannabis consumers in the United States have become so picky that most Mexican drug cartels do not even try to sell subpar marijuana.
In November 2018, Nebraska State Police seized over 1,600 pounds of edible marijuana including approximately 1,600 pounds of chocolate bars infused with THC. State troopers commented that before Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, they would rarely come across edible marijuana.
The United States cannabis black market is now almost all supplied domestically. It is easier and cheaper for marijuana dealers to secure marijuana illegally from states in which it is legal than to secure it from Mexico. Because of this, the black market in the United States is shifting its focus to selling heroin and methamphetamines. Marijuana is thriving across the country, even in states that have prohibited the legal use of the drug. This proves that legalization in some states is creating a problem in states that continue to restrict marijuana.
The State of Illinois Will Likely Save Money Now That Recreational Marijuana is Soon to be Legal
The Illinois Senate recently passed a law legalizing the recreational use of marijuana On May 28, 2019. The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act authorizes the use of cannabis and possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis for anyone 21 years old or older.
Those in favor of legalizing marijuana point out that police and the judicial system spend millions prosecuting cannabis-related offenses. Those incarcerated for marijuana-related charges cost the taxpayers approximately $22,000 per inmate per year. Now that cannabis has been legalized, Illinois could save as much as $18.4 million a year. Further, the legalization of marijuana could create as many as 24,000 new jobs and generate over $500 million in local and state tax revenue, boosting the state economy by over $1 billion a year.
Tests for Driving While Under the Influence of Marijuana are Not Reliable
Illinois will likely save money overall now that recreational marijuana is soon-to-be legal in Illinois. However, innocent people will still be arrested for driving while under the influence of marijuana. The testing methods for driving while under the influence of alcohol are well-tested, but the testing methods for driving while under the influence of cannabis are not. If you have been arrested in Illinois for driving under the influence of marijuana, it’ i vital to hire a skilled Illinois DUI defense attorney.
At Glasgow & Olsson, our attorneys vigorously represent our clients who face drug-related charges. If you are facing any drug or marijuana-related drug charges in Cook, Lake, Kane, McHenry, or DuPage county, reach out right away. To contact us, please fill out our online form for an initial consultation.
(image courtesy of Cristian S.)