The law which legalized the recreational use of marijuana in Ilinois, beginning January 1, 2020, may exempt weed from the smoke-free Illinois act.
It would allow smoking marijuana in public places such as:
Moreover, other possible places where cannabis businesses will pop up are smoke lounges and weed-friendly movie theaters.
Albeit, the Illinois Municipal Local Offices must give final consent. Furthermore, this exclusion to the law will not apply to tobacco, which instead stays banned primarily at places of employment and businesses.
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago (the architect of the law legalizing recreational marijuana ) says the law permits local governments to firstly:
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Determine whether to grant on-site consumption licenses to existing businesses
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New establishments could function like hookah bars
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Choose to limit consumption to vapes and edibles, yet disallow smoking
As a result, the decision has criticisms and adverse reactions
“it is critical for everyone’s safety and well-being — especially those living with lung diseases — that the state maintains the protections outlined in existing smoke-free and clean air acts.”
(Joel Africk, the president of the Respiratory Health Association, a Chicago advocacy group)
Unquestionably, it’s expected to receive push back from the Illinois community regarding its approval of marijuana. With the first years of the new legislation, this holds especially true.
Although this may be true, it may take time for the tolerance towards cannabis consumption to become the norm.
Many in Illinois see the changes that California, Colorado, and Nevada have made, and will learn from previous mistakes.
Indeed, Illinois has a long road ahead to approve the smoking of marijuana in public places. Conversely and another critical point, California currently has a legislative proposal that would allow for state-licensed cannabis cafes and lounges.
Maybe Illinois will eventually be the next state to follow.
