Possession of cannabis is a criminal offense in the state of Illinois. Despite the constant efforts of states and lawmakers to legalize the drug, the efforts always fall short, including places such as California. Despite the notion that the drug is harmless, and should not be a major issue, being arrested and convicted of possession of cannabis can severely impact an individual’s future. Cannabis is the legal term in Illinois, but the narcotic has other names, such as marijuana, weed, pot, dope, and grass.

Possession of cannabis is classified as follows:

•Up to 2.5 grams is a Class C misdemeanor. The punishment for a Class C misdemeanor is up to 30 days jail and a fine of $1,500.0

•2.5 to 10 grams of cannabis is a Class B misdemeanor offense, which has a possible penalty of 180 days jail and a fine of $1,500.

•10 grams to 30 grams of cannabis is a Class A misdemeanor. The possible sentence for a Class A misdemeanor under state law is up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,500.

•Another consequence of a cannabis charge is that it can cost defendants their federal financial aid. Federal law provides that a student who is found guilty of possessing cannabis will lose financial aid for one year on the first offense, and two years on the second offense. A third offense will disqualify the student for life.

The number of arrests for possession of cannabis in Chicago made it necessary for the court system to provide alternatives to jail. Cook County courts offer a deferred prosecution to drug offenders called Drug School. The program is run by the Cook County State's Attorney and requires 10 to 20 hours of drug education. The Drug School Act was written specifically for the Cook County State's Attorney because of the high volume of cases. The Act states that incarceration of nonviolent drug offenders with families breaks the family unit and that they are in need of alternatives to incarceration such as counseling or treatment. If the defendant completes Drug School, the case will be dismissed. The record of arrest and the case number can also be expunged at a later date. However, this lenient alternative is not automatic and is only available when the prosecution agrees to it.

Charges stemming from possession, sales, distribution or trafficking of drugs such as heroin, meth, cocaine and prescription drugs (unauthorized medications) and large amounts of marijuana are felonies. As such, they are far more severe, and penalties can include high fines and imprisonment of a year or more. If you have been arrested, do not talk to the police without having an attorney present.