Under Illinois law it is unlawful for any person to possess cannabis. the State must prove that the person knowingly possessed the substance.
The Penalties Under Statute 720 Ilcs 550/4 Vary Depending on Quantity and Prior Criminal History.Quantity of Cannabis (grams) | Quantity of Cannabis (pounds) | Statute | Offense Classification | Potential Sentence | Extended Term | Fine up to | Mandatory Assessment | Probation Available |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 – 2.5 grams | 0.001 – 0.006 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(a) | Class C Misdemeanor | 1 – 30 Days | none | $1,500 | $200 | yes |
2.5 – 10 grams | 0.006 – 0.022 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(b) | Class B Misdemeanor | 1 – 180 Days | none | $1,500 | $200 | yes |
10 – 30 grams | 0.022 – 0.066 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(c) | Class a Misdemeanor | 1 – 364 Days | none | $2,500 | $300 | yes |
10 – 30 grams with a prior cannabis conviction | 0.022 – 0.066 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(c) | Class 4 Felony | 1 – 3 Years | up to 6 years | >$25,000 | $500 | yes |
30 – 500 grams | 0.066 – 1.102 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(d) | Class 4 Felony | 1 – 3 Years | up to 6 years | $25,000 | $500 | yes |
30 – 500 grams with a prior cannabis conviction | 0.066 – 1.102 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(d) | Class 3 Felony | 2 – 5 Years | up to 10 years | $25,000 | $500 | yes |
500 – 2,000 grams | 1.102 – 4.409 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(e) | Class 3 Felony | 2 – 5 Years | up to 10 years | $25,000 | $500 | yes |
2,000 – 5,000 grams | 4.409 – 11.023 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(f) | Class 2 Felony | 3 – 7 Years | up to 14 years | $25,000 | $1,000 | yes |
5,000 plus grams | more than 11.023 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(g) | Class 1 Felony | 4 – 15 Years | up to 30 years | $25,000 | $2,000 | yes |
Any person under 18 years of age who violates this Act may be treated by the court as a juvenile, when normally they would have to be under 17 years of age to be treated as a juvenile.