Chicago Mayor Calls for Reduced Penalties for Marijuana


Ryan Allway

September 24th, 2014

Policy, Top News


Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel petitioned Illinois lawmakers to reform sentencing laws for low-level drug offenses, which would include ticketing rather than arresting those caught with small amounts of marijuana. In 2012, the mayor had backed a chance in Chicago law that would decriminalize marijuana in the nation’s third largest city, while statewide changes could have an even larger effect.

“It doesn’t make sense that one arrest for a very small amount of a controlled substance can lead to a lifetime of struggles, sending people in and out of prison and putting up barriers to getting a job or finding a place to live,” said Emanual in a recent statement made on Tuesday to the press.

The mayors proposal would reduce possession of one gram or less of any controlled substance in Illinois from a felony to a misdemeanor, and expand Chicago’s municipal ordinance, making possession of 15 grams or less of cannabis a ticketable offense statewide. Despite the changes to date, a May 2014 Roosevelt University study found that Chicago police were still more likely to arrest those with pot.

The move also comes as sixteen states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized marijuana possession, according to NORML, a cannabis lobby group. Colorado and Washington have also legalized the adult-use of marijuana without any medical purpose with success. Alaska and Oregon could join the two states in legalizing adult-use marijuana and expanding nationwide efforts.

Despite the gains in state legalizations, the federal government has yet to develop a cohesive legalization framework. Many cannabis businesses are therefore prevented from accessing banking services and other resources, since cannabis remains federally illegal under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. Whether a nationwide policy will emerge remains to be seen, but states continue to make progress.

This article was published by CFN Enterprises Inc. (OTCQB: CNFN), owner and operator of CFN Media, the industry’s leading agency and digital financial media network dedicated to the burgeoning CBD and legal cannabis industries. Call +1 (833) 420-CNFN for more information.

About Ryan Allway

Mr. Allway has over a decade of experience in the financial markets as both a private investor and financial journalist. He has been actively involved in the cannabis industry since its inception, covering public and private companies.


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