The Illinois Cannabis Control Act dictates tough sentences for adults who provide drugs to minors who are least three years younger than the deliverer.  Penalties may be up to twice the usual maximum term. Below are several details and provisions of the law:

• Individuals convicted under this law cannot be treated as first offenders; as a result they lose the chance to have the conviction wiped from the record after a successful term of probation.
• Anyone 18 or older who delivers a controlled, counterfeit or look-a-like substance to a minor may also receive twice the usual prison term.
• An individual who manufactures or delivers drugs on or within 1,000 feet of a school, park or residential property owned by the state may suffer increased penalties.
• An adult individual who hires someone under 18 years old to manufacture or deliver drugs is subject to increased penalties.
• An individual who sells drug paraphernalia for profit may be fined up to $1,000 for each item.
• An adult who sells or delivers such items to a minor will be prosecuted for a felony.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or 364 days in jail.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.