Illinois Marijuana Laws

 Posted on September 11, 2013 in Criminal Defense

Marijuana, Mary Jane and pot are all names for the drug that come from the plant Cannabis Sativa. It is a very common drug in high schools and colleges across the country and has even made its way into quite a few movies in recent years, like “21 Jump Street” and “Pineapple Express”.

It is a psychoactive drug that is sometimes inhaled from a rolled cigarette, or joint, but can also be consumed when mixed into recipes such as brownies, cookies, butter or candy.

According to the University of Illinois marijuana laws, the marijuana that is used today is as much as ten times stronger than it was in the early 1970s.

Effects of marijuana include an increased heart rate, dry mouth and throat, bloodshot eyes, sleepiness and increased appetite.

Not only is marijuana illegal in most states, including Illinois, possession and sale of marijuana is also against the policies of many colleges and universities, including the University of Illinois. If a student has been found with marijuana, he or she may find herself in serious legal trouble, as well as suffering consequences related to school and financial aid.

In 1988, the Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act allowed the denial of Federal benefits to anyone who is in possession or involved with the trafficking of marijuana, whether it was students with financial aid or other citizens with federal assistance.

If a student is convicted with a first offense of possession of marijuana, he or she could lose financial aid for up to an entire year. This includes grants, loans, or professional licensing provided by the government.

Along with loss of financial aid, students at the University of Illinois may be put on probation or dismissed from the University. Although every college has its own rules, many school penalties are similar to these.

If you are a student who has been caught with illegal drugs and you are afraid of losing your financial aid or worse, contact a criminal attorney for help. Criminal attorney Chris Cosley is located in Arlington Heights, IL, and can help to keep you in school today.