SPRINGFIELD - Illinois has bragging rights on a few legislative firsts and lasts: First state to initiate a state-run retirement fund, last state to pass a concealed carry law.
Now, if Governor Rauner signs a bill into law that decriminalizes cannabis by allowing law enforcement to simply issue tickets for possessing 15 grams of pot, Illinois will take on another first: The first state to raise the THC levels to 15 nanograms or more per milliliter of whole blood to be found driving under the influence.
In Washington and Colorado, the THC level for DUI is 5 nanogram. If HB 218 becomes law, Illinois' standard for impaired driving would be the highest in the nation.
In a Gatehouse Media story, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police said they're worried about the risk of more impaired driving in Illinois with HB 218. Another activist said she's concerned about protecting Illinois kids:
Judy Kreamer, a Naperville resident and president of the anti-marijuana group Educating Voices, said the group fears impaired driving and potentially dangerous consumption of edible forms of marijuana will be encouraged by House Bill 218 and by the state’s medical marijuana pilot program.
“We’re not looking out to protect kids in Illinois,” she said. “People have no idea what is coming. What is going to happen here on the roads? The message that goes out is, ‘It’s not bad. Try it.’”
The rest of the story and differing opinions are HERE.
