Illinois Chapter 720 ILCS 550 – Cannabis Control Act
Illinois Chapter 720 ILCS 550 governs the legality of marijuana in Illinois. It sets rules for both growing and possessing the drug. Depending on the offense, the charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies.
What Chapter 550 Covers
- Carrying cannabis and punishments depending on the amount
- Growing marijuana in order to sell it
- Punishments for groups working together to break cannabis laws
- Delivering marijuana around schools
To read about individual laws, explained in plain English, use the links below:
Chapter 550 Statutes Explained
- 720 ILCS 550/4 – Possession of Cannabis
- 720 ILCS 550/5 – Manufacture or Delivery of Cannabis
- 720 ILCS 550/5.1 – Cannabis Trafficking
- 720 ILCS 550/5.2 – Delivery of Cannabis on School Grounds
- 720 ILCS 550/8 – Production of Cannabis Plants
- 720 ILCS 550/9 – Calculated Criminal Cannabis Conspiracy
Facing Cannabis Charges in Illinois?
Marijuana drug charges are serious – several are felonies. You need to act fast, and Combs Waterkotte is ready to help you now. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with a drug crimes attorney.
720 ILCS 550/3 Definitions
This section explains what certain words mean when used in Illinois’ cannabis laws.
(a) “Cannabis” means any part of the marijuana plant, including leaves, seeds, and resin, as well as anything made from it, but not the hard stalks, fibers, or seeds that cannot grow.
(b) “Casual delivery” means giving someone 10 grams or less of cannabis for free.
(c) “Department” means the Illinois Department of Human Services or the agency that takes its place.
(d) “Deliver” or “delivery” means handing over cannabis to someone else, whether or not you get paid for it.
(e) (Blank).
(f) “Director” means the head of the Illinois State Police or someone chosen by that person.
(g) “Local authorities” means police or peace officers working for the state, county, or city.
(h) “Manufacture” means making or preparing cannabis, including packaging and labeling it, but not when done legally for research or teaching.
(i) “Person” means any individual or group such as a business, government, trust, or organization.
(j) “Produce” or “production” means planting, growing, or harvesting cannabis.
(k) “State” means Illinois or any other part of the United States that the U.S. government controls.
(l) “Subsequent offense” means a new violation of this law by someone who has been convicted before of a cannabis or drug-related crime.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Southern Illinois criminal defense lawyer.
