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2005 Illinois Code - Chapter 720 Criminal Offenses 720 ILCS 550/      Cannabis Control Act.

    (720 ILCS 550/1) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 701)
    Sec. 1.
    The General Assembly recognizes that (1) the current state of scientific and medical knowledge concerning the effects of cannabis makes it necessary to acknowledge the physical, psychological and sociological damage which is incumbent upon its use; and (2) the use of cannabis occupies the unusual position of being widely used and pervasive among the citizens of Illinois despite its harmful effects; and (3) previous legislation enacted to control or forbid the use of cannabis has often unnecessarily and unrealistically drawn a large segment of our population within the criminal justice system without succeeding in deterring the expansion of cannabis use. It is, therefore, the intent of the General Assembly, in the interest of the health and welfare of the citizens of Illinois, to establish a reasonable penalty system which is responsive to the current state of knowledge concerning cannabis and which directs the greatest efforts of law enforcement agencies toward the commercial traffickers and large‑scale purveyors of cannabis. To this end, this Act provides wide latitude in the sentencing discretion of the courts and establishes penalties in a sharply rising progression based on the amount of substances containing cannabis involved in each case.
(Source: P. A. 77‑758.)

    (720 ILCS 550/2) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 702)
    Sec. 2.
    This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Cannabis Control Act".
(Source: P. A. 77‑758.)

    (720 ILCS 550/3) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 703)
    Sec. 3. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:
    (a) "Cannabis" includes marihuana, hashish and other substances which are identified as including any parts of the plant Cannabis Sativa, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof, the resin extracted from any part of such plant; and any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant, its seeds, or resin, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and all other cannabinol derivatives, including its naturally occurring or synthetically produced ingredients, whether produced directly or indirectly by extraction, or independently by means of chemical synthesis or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis; but shall not include the mature stalks of such plant, fiber produced from such stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of such plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil or cake, or the sterilized seed of such plant which is incapable of germination.
    (b) "Casual delivery" means the delivery of not more than 10 grams of any substance containing cannabis without consideration.
    (c) "Department" means the Illinois Department of Human Services (as successor to the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) or its successor agency.
    (d) "Deliver" or "delivery" means the actual, constructive or attempted transfer of possession of cannabis, with or without consideration, whether or not there is an agency relationship.
    (e) "Department of State Police" means the Department of State Police of the State of Illinois or its successor agency.
    (f) "Director" means the Director of the Department of State Police or his designated agent.
    (g) "Local authorities" means a duly organized State, county, or municipal peace unit or police force.
    (h) "Manufacture" means the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion or processing of cannabis, either directly or indirectly, by extraction from substances of natural origin, or independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis, and includes any packaging or repackaging of cannabis or labeling of its container, except that this term does not include the preparation, compounding, packaging, or labeling of cannabis as an incident to lawful research, teaching, or chemical analysis and not for sale.
    (i) "Person" means any individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other entity.
    (j) "Produce" or "production" means planting, cultivating, tending or harvesting.
    (k) "State" includes the State of Illinois and any state, district, commonwealth, territory, insular possession thereof, and any area subject to the legal authority of the United States of America.
    (l) "Subsequent offense" means an offense under this Act, the offender of which, prior to his conviction of the offense, has at any time been convicted under this Act or under any laws of the United States or of any state relating to cannabis, or any controlled substance as defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
(Source: P.A. 89‑507, eff. 7‑1‑97.)

    (720 ILCS 550/4) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 704)
    Sec. 4. It is unlawful for any person knowingly to possess cannabis. Any person who violates this section with respect to:
    (a) not more than 2.5 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor;
    (b) more than 2.5 grams but not more than 10 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor;
    (c) more than 10 grams but not more than 30 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor; provided, that if any offense under this subsection (c) is a subsequent offense, the offender shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony;
    (d) more than 30 grams but not more than 500 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class 4 felony; provided that if any offense under this subsection (d) is a subsequent offense, the offender shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony;
    (e) more than 500 grams but not more than 2,000 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class 3 felony;
    (f) more than 2,000 grams but not more than 5,000 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class 2 felony;
    (g) more than 5,000 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class 1 felony.
(Source: P.A. 90‑397, eff. 8‑15‑97.)

    (720 ILCS 550/5) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 705)
    Sec. 5. It is unlawful for any person knowingly to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver, or manufacture, cannabis. Any person who violates this section with respect to:
    (a) not more than 2.5 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor;
    (b) more than 2.5 grams but not more than 10 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor;
    (c) more than 10 grams but not more than 30 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class 4 felony;
    (d) more than 30 grams but not more than 500 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class 3 felony for which a fine not to exceed $50,000 may be imposed;
    (e) more than 500 grams but not more than 2,000 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class 2 felony for which a fine not to exceed $100,000 may be imposed;
    (f) more than 2,000 grams but not more than 5,000 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class 1 felony for which a fine not to exceed $150,000 may be imposed;
    (g) more than 5,000 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class X felony for which a fine not to exceed $200,000 may be imposed.
(Source: P.A. 90‑397, eff. 8‑15‑97.)

    (720 ILCS 550/5.1) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 705.1)
    Sec. 5.1. Cannabis Trafficking. (a) Except for purposes authorized by this Act, any person who knowingly brings or causes to be brought into this State for the purpose of manufacture or delivery or with the intent to manufacture or deliver 2,500 grams or more of cannabis in this State or any other state or country is guilty of cannabis trafficking.
    (b) A person convicted of cannabis trafficking shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment not less than twice the minimum term and fined an amount as authorized by subsection (f) or (g) of Section 5 of this Act, based upon the amount of cannabis brought or caused to be brought into this State, and not more than twice the maximum term of imprisonment and fined twice the amount as authorized by subsection (f) or (g) of Section 5 of this Act, based upon the amount of cannabis brought or caused to be brought into this State.
(Source: P.A. 90‑397, eff. 8‑15‑97.)

    (720 ILCS 550/5.2) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 705.2)
    Sec. 5.2. Delivery of cannabis on school grounds.
    (a) Any person who violates subsection (e) of Section 5 in any school, on the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, or on any public way within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, is guilty of a Class 1 felony, the fine for which shall not exceed $200,000;
    (b) Any person who violates subsection (d) of Section 5 in any school, on the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, or on any public way within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, is guilty of a Class 2 felony, the fine for which shall not exceed $100,000;
    (c) Any person who violates subsection (c) of Section 5 in any school, on the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, or on any public way within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, is guilty of a Class 3 felony, the fine for which shall not exceed $50,000;
    (d) Any person who violates subsection (b) of Section 5 in any school, on the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, or on any public way within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, is guilty of a Class 4 felony, the fine for which shall not exceed $25,000;
    (e) Any person who violates subsection (a) of Section 5 in any school, on the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, on any public way within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising any school, or any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school related activity, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(Source: P.A. 87‑544.)

    (720 ILCS 550/6) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 706)
    Sec. 6.
    Any delivery of cannabis which is a casual delivery shall be treated in all respects as possession of cannabis for purposes of penalties.
(Source: P.A. 77‑758.)

    (720 ILCS 550/7) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 707)
    Sec. 7. (a) Any person who is at least 18 years of age who violates Section 5 of this Act by delivering cannabis to a person under 18 years of age who is at least 3 years his junior may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term up to twice the maximum term otherwise authorized by Section 5.
    (b) Any person under 18 years of age who violates Section 4 or 5 of this Act may be treated by the court in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
(Source: P.A. 85‑1209.)

    (720 ILCS 550/8) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 708)
    Sec. 8. It is unlawful for any person knowingly to produce the cannabis sativa plant or to possess such plants unless production or possession has been authorized pursuant to the provisions of Section 11 of the Act. Any person who violates this Section with respect to production or possession of:
    (a) Not more than 5 plants is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
    (b) More than 5, but not more than 20 plants, is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
    (c) More than 20, but not more than 50 plants, is guilty of a Class 3 felony.
    (d) More than 50 plants is guilty of a Class 2 felony for which a fine not to exceed $100,000 may be imposed and for which liability for the cost of conducting the investigation and eradicating such plants may be assessed. Compensation for expenses incurred in the enforcement of this provision shall be transmitted to and deposited in the treasurer's office at the level of government represented by the Illinois law enforcement agency whose officers or employees conducted the investigation or caused the arrest or arrests leading to the prosecution, to be subsequently made available to that law enforcement agency as expendable receipts for use in the enforcement of laws regulating controlled substances and cannabis. If such seizure was made by a combination of law enforcement personnel representing different levels of government, the court levying the assessment shall determine the allocation of such assessment. The proceeds of assessment awarded to the State treasury shall be deposited in a special fund known as the Drug Traffic Prevention Fund.
(Source: P.A. 84‑1233.)

    (720 ILCS 550/9) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 709)
    Sec. 9. (a) Any person who engages in a calculated criminal cannabis conspiracy, as defined in subsection (b), is guilty of a Class 3 felony, and fined not more than $200,000 and shall be subject to the forfeitures prescribed in subsection (c); except that, if any person engages in such offense after one or more prior convictions under this Section, Section 4 (d), Section 5 (d), Section 8 (d) or any law of the United States or of any State relating to cannabis, or controlled substances as defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, in addition to the fine and forfeiture authorized above, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 felony for which an offender may not be sentenced to death.
    (b) For purposes of this section, a person engages in a calculated criminal cannabis conspiracy when:
    (1) he violates Section 4 (d), 4 (e), 5 (d), 5 (e), 8 (c) or 8 (d) of this Act; and
    (2) such violation is a part of a conspiracy undertaken or carried on with 2 or more other persons; and
    (3) he obtains anything of value greater than $500 from, or organizes, directs or finances such violation or conspiracy.
    (c) Any person who is convicted under this Section of engaging in a calculated criminal cannabis conspiracy shall forfeit to the State of Illinois:
    (1) the receipts obtained by him in such conspiracy; and
    (2) any of his interests in, claims against, receipts from, or property or rights of any kind affording a source of influence over, such conspiracy.
    (d) The circuit court may enter such injunctions, restraining orders, directions, or prohibitions, or take such other actions, including the acceptance of satisfactory performance bonds, in connection with any property, claim, receipt, right or other interest subject to forfeiture under this Section, as it deems proper.
(Source: P.A. 84‑1233.)

    (720 ILCS 550/10)(from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 710)
    Sec. 10. (a) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of, or placed on probation or court supervision for, any offense under this Act or any law of the United States or of any State relating to cannabis, or controlled substances as defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of violating Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(c), 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) or 8 of this Act, the court may, without entering a judgment and with the consent of such person, sentence him to probation.
    (b) When a person is placed on probation, the court shall enter an order specifying a period of probation of 24 months, and shall defer further proceedings in the case until the conclusion of the period or until the filing of a petition alleging violation of a term or condition of probation.
    (c) The conditions of probation shall be that the person: (1) not violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction; (2) refrain from possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon; (3) submit to periodic drug testing at a time and in a manner as ordered by the court, but no less than 3 times during the period of the probation, with the cost of the testing to be paid by the probationer; and (4) perform no less than 30 hours of community service, provided community service is available in the jurisdiction and is funded and approved by the county board.
    (d) The court may, in addition to other conditions, require that the person:
        (1) make a report to and appear in person before or
    
participate with the court or such courts, person, or social service agency as directed by the court in the order of probation;
        (2) pay a fine and costs;
        (3) work or pursue a course of study or vocational
    
training;
        (4) undergo medical or psychiatric treatment; or
    
treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism;
        (5) attend or reside in a facility established for
    
the instruction or residence of defendants on probation;
        (6) support his dependents;
        (7) refrain from possessing a firearm or other
    
dangerous weapon;
        (7‑5) refrain from having in his or her body the
    
presence of any illicit drug prohibited by the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, unless prescribed by a physician, and submit samples of his or her blood or urine or both for tests to determine the presence of any illicit drug;
        (8) and in addition, if a minor:
            (i) reside with his parents or in a foster home;
            (ii) attend school;
            (iii) attend a non‑residential program for youth;
            (iv) contribute to his own support at home or in
        
a foster home.
    (e) Upon violation of a term or condition of probation, the court may enter a judgment on its original finding of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided.
    (f) Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions of probation, the court shall discharge such person and dismiss the proceedings against him.
    (g) A disposition of probation is considered to be a conviction for the purposes of imposing the conditions of probation and for appeal, however, discharge and dismissal under this Section is not a conviction for purposes of disqualification or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime (including the additional penalty imposed for subsequent offenses under Section 4(c), 4(d), 5(c) or 5(d) of this Act).
    (h) Discharge and dismissal under this Section, Section 410 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or Section 70 of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act may occur only once with respect to any person.
    (i) If a person is convicted of an offense under this Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act within 5 years subsequent to a discharge and dismissal under this Section, the discharge and dismissal under this Section shall be admissible in the sentencing proceeding for that conviction as a factor in aggravation.
(Source: P.A. 94‑556, eff. 9‑11‑05.)

    (720 ILCS 550/10.1) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 710.1)
    Sec. 10.1. (a) Whenever any person pleads guilty to, is found guilty of or is placed on supervision for an offense under this Act, a fine may be levied in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court.
    (b) In determining whether to impose a fine under this Section and the amount, time for payment and method of payment of any fine so imposed, the court shall
    (1) consider the defendant's income, regardless of source, the defendant's earning capacity and the defendant's financial resources, as well as the nature of the burden the fine will impose on the defendant and any person legally or financially dependent upon the defendant;
    (2) consider the proof received at trial, or as a result of a plea of guilty, concerning the full street value of the cannabis seized and any profits or other proceeds derived by the defendant from the violation of this Act;
    (3) take into account any other pertinent equitable considerations; and
    (4) give primary consideration to the need to deprive the defendant of illegally obtained profits or other proceeds from the offense.
    For the purpose of paragraph (2) of this subsection, "street value" shall be determined by the court on the basis of testimony of law enforcement personnel and the defendant as to the amount seized and such testimony as may be required by the court as to the current street value of the cannabis seized.
    (c) As a condition of a fine, the court may require that payment be made in specified installments or within a specified period of time, but such period shall not be greater than the maximum applicable term of probation or imprisonment, whichever is greater. Unless otherwise specified, payment of a fine shall be due immediately.
    (d) If a fine for a violation of this Act is imposed on an organization, it is the duty of each individual authorized to make disbursements of the assets of the organization to pay the fine from assets of the organization.
    (e) (1) A defendant who has been sentenced to pay a fine, and who has paid part but not all of such fine, may petition the court for an extension of the time for payment or modification of the method of payment.
    (2) The court may grant a petition made pursuant to this subsection if it finds that
    (i) the circumstances that warranted payment by the time or method specified no longer exist; or
    (ii) it is otherwise unjust to require payment of the fine by the time or method specified.
(Source: P.A. 83‑778.)

    (720 ILCS 550/10.2)(from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 710.2)
    Sec. 10.2. (a) Twelve and one‑half percent of all amounts collected as fines pursuant to the provisions of this Act shall be paid into the Youth Drug Abuse Prevention Fund, which is hereby created in the State treasury, to be used by the Department of Human Services for the funding of programs and services for drug‑abuse treatment, and prevention and education services, for juveniles.
    (b) Eighty‑seven and one‑half percent of the proceeds of all fines received under the provisions of this Act shall be transmitted to and deposited in the treasurer's office at the level of government as follows:
        (1) If such seizure was made by a combination of law
    
enforcement personnel representing differing units of local government, the court levying the fine shall equitably allocate 50% of the fine among these units of local government and shall allocate 37 1/2% to the county general corporate fund. In the event that the seizure was made by law enforcement personnel representing a unit of local government from a municipality where the number of inhabitants exceeds 2 million in population, the court levying the fine shall allocate 87 1/2% of the fine to that unit of local government. If the seizure was made by a combination of law enforcement personnel representing differing units of local government, and at least one of those units represents a municipality where the number of inhabitants exceeds 2 million in population, the court shall equitably allocate 87 1/2% of the proceeds of the fines received among the differing units of local government.
        (2) If such seizure was made by State law
    
enforcement personnel, then the court shall allocate 37 1/2% to the State treasury and 50% to the county general corporate fund.
        (3) If a State law enforcement agency in combination
    
with a law enforcement agency or agencies of a unit or units of local government conducted the seizure, the court shall equitably allocate 37 1/2% of the fines to or among the law enforcement agency or agencies of the unit or units of local government which conducted the seizure and shall allocate 50% to the county general corporate fund.
    (c) The proceeds of all fines allocated to the law enforcement agency or agencies of the unit or units of local government pursuant to subsection (b) shall be made available to that law enforcement agency as expendable receipts for use in the enforcement of laws regulating controlled substances and cannabis. The proceeds of fines awarded to the State treasury shall be deposited in a special fund known as the Drug Traffic Prevention Fund, except that amounts distributed to the Secretary of State shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Evidence Fund to be used as provided in Section 2‑115 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Monies from this fund may be used by the Department of State Police for use in the enforcement of laws regulating controlled substances and cannabis; to satisfy funding provisions of the Intergovernmental Drug Laws Enforcement Act; to defray costs and expenses associated with returning violators of this Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, and the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act only, as provided in such Acts, when punishment of the crime shall be confinement of the criminal in the penitentiary; and all other monies shall be paid into the general revenue fund in the State treasury.
(Source: P.A. 94‑556, eff. 9‑11‑05.)

    (720 ILCS 550/10.3) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 710.3)
    Sec. 10.3. (a) Every person convicted of a violation of this Act, and every person placed on probation, conditional discharge, supervision or probation under Section 10 of this Act, shall be assessed for each offense a sum fixed at:
        (1) $3,000 for a Class X felony;
        (2) $2,000 for a Class 1 felony;
        (3) $1,000 for a Class 2 felony;
        (4) $500 for a Class 3 or Class 4 felony;
        (5) $300 for a Class A misdemeanor;
        (6) $200 for a Class B or Class C misdemeanor.
    (b) The assessment under this Section is in addition to and not in lieu of any fines, restitution costs, forfeitures or other assessments authorized or required by law.
    (c) As a condition of the assessment, the court may require that payment be made in specified installments or within a specified period of time. If the assessment is not paid within the period of probation, conditional discharge or supervision to which the defendant was originally sentenced, the court may extend the period of probation, conditional discharge or supervision pursuant to Section 5‑6‑2 or 5‑6‑3.1 of the Unified Code of Corrections, as applicable, until the assessment is paid or until successful completion of public or community service set forth in subsection (e) or the successful completion of the substance abuse intervention or treatment program set forth in subsection (f). If a term of probation, conditional discharge or supervision is not imposed, the assessment shall be payable upon judgment or as directed by the court.
    (d) If an assessment for a violation of this Act is imposed on an organization, it is the duty of each individual authorized to make disbursements of the assets of the organization to pay the assessment from assets of the organization.
    (e) A defendant who has been ordered to pay an assessment may petition the court to convert all or part of the assessment into court‑approved public or community service. One hour of public or community service shall be equivalent to $4 of assessment. The performance of this public or community service shall be a condition of the probation, conditional discharge or supervision and shall be in addition to the performance of any other period of public or community service ordered by the court or required by law.
    (f) The court may suspend the collection of the assessment imposed under this Section; provided the defendant agrees to enter a substance abuse intervention or treatment program approved by the court; and further provided that the defendant agrees to pay for all or some portion of the costs associated with the intervention or treatment program. In this case, the collection of the assessment imposed under this Section shall be suspended during the defendant's participation in the approved intervention or treatment program. Upon successful completion of the program, the defendant may apply to the court to reduce the assessment imposed under this Section by any amount actually paid by the defendant for his participation in the program. The court shall not reduce the penalty under this subsection unless the defendant establishes to the satisfaction of the court that he has successfully completed the intervention or treatment program. If the defendant's participation is for any reason terminated before his successful completion of the intervention or treatment program, collection of the entire assessment imposed under this Section shall be enforced. Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to affect or suspend any other fines, restitution costs, forfeitures or assessments imposed under this or any other Act.
    (g) The court shall not impose more than one assessment per complaint, indictment or information. If the person is convicted of more than one offense in a complaint, indictment or information, the assessment shall be based on the highest class offense for which the person is convicted.
    (h) All moneys collected under this Section shall be forwarded by the clerk of the circuit court to the State Treasurer for deposit in the Drug Treatment Fund and expended as provided in Section 411.2 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
(Source: P.A. 87‑772.)

    (720 ILCS 550/11) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 711)
    Sec. 11. (a) The Department, with the written approval of the Department of State Police, may authorize the possession, production, manufacture and delivery of substances containing cannabis by persons engaged in research and when such authorization is requested by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, such authorization shall issue without unnecessary delay where the Department finds that such physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches has certified that such possession, production, manufacture or delivery of such substance is necessary for the treatment of glaucoma, the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy in cancer patients or such other procedure certified to be medically necessary; such authorization shall be, upon such terms and conditions as may be consistent with the public health and safety. To the extent of the applicable authorization, persons are exempt from prosecution in this State for possession, production, manufacture or delivery of cannabis.
    (b) Persons registered under Federal law to conduct research with cannabis may conduct research with cannabis including, but not limited to treatment by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches for glaucoma, the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy in cancer patients or such other procedure which is medically necessary within this State upon furnishing evidence of that Federal registration and notification of the scope and purpose of such research to the Department and to the Department of State Police of that Federal registration.
    (c) Persons authorized to engage in research may be authorized by the Department to protect the privacy of individuals who are the subjects of such research by withholding from all persons not connected with the conduct of the research the names and other identifying characteristics of such individuals. Persons who are given this authorization shall not be compelled in any civil, criminal, administrative, legislative or other proceeding to identify the individuals who are the subjects of research for which the authorization was granted, except to the extent necessary to permit the Department to determine whether the research is being conducted in accordance with the authorization.
(Source: P.A. 84‑25.)

    (720 ILCS 550/12)(from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 712)
    Sec. 12. (a) The following are subject to forfeiture:
        (1) all substances containing cannabis which have
    
been produced, manufactured, delivered, or possessed in violation of this Act;
        (2) all raw materials, products and equipment of any
    
kind which are produced, delivered, or possessed in connection with any substance containing cannabis in violation of this Act;
        (3) all conveyances, including aircraft, vehicles or
    
vessels, which are used, or intended for use, to transport, or in any manner to facilitate the transportation, sale, receipt, possession, or concealment of property described in paragraph (1) or (2) that constitutes a felony violation of the Act, but:
            (i) no conveyance used by any person as a common
        
carrier in the transaction of business as a common carrier is subject to forfeiture under this Section unless it appears that the owner or other person in charge of the conveyance is a consenting party or privy to a violation of this Act;
            (ii) no conveyance is subject to forfeiture
        
under this Section by reason of any act or omission which the owner proves to have been committed or omitted without his knowledge or consent;
            (iii) a forfeiture of a conveyance encumbered by
        
a bona fide security interest is subject to the interest of the secured party if he neither had knowledge of nor consented to the act or omission;
        (4) all money, things of value, books, records, and
    
research products and materials including formulas, microfilm, tapes, and data which are used, or intended for use in a felony violation of this Act;
        (5) everything of value furnished or intended to be
    
furnished by any person in exchange for a substance in violation of this Act, all proceeds traceable to such an exchange, and all moneys, negotiable instruments, and securities used, or intended to be used, to commit or in any manner to facilitate any felony violation of this Act.
    (b) Property subject to forfeiture under this Act may be seized by the Director or any peace officer upon process or seizure warrant issued by any court having jurisdiction over the property. Seizure by the Director or any peace officer without process may be made:
        (1) if the property subject to seizure has been the
    
subject of a prior judgment in favor of the State in a criminal proceeding or in an injunction or forfeiture proceeding based upon this Act or the Drug Asset Forfeiture Procedure Act;
        (2) if there is probable cause to believe that the
    
property is directly or indirectly dangerous to health or safety;
        (3) if there is probable cause to believe that the
    
property is subject to forfeiture under this Act and the property is seized under circumstances in which a warrantless seizure or arrest would be reasonable; or
        (4) in accordance with the Code of Criminal
    
Procedure of 1963.
    (c) In the event of seizure pursuant to subsection (b), forfeiture proceedings shall be instituted in accordance with the Drug Asset Forfeiture Procedure Act.
    (d) Property taken or detained under this Section shall not be subject to replevin, but is deemed to be in the custody of the Director subject only to the order and judgments of the circuit court having jurisdiction over the forfeiture proceedings and the decisions of the State's Attorney under the Drug Asset Forfeiture Procedure Act. When property is seized under this Act, the seizing agency shall promptly conduct an inventory of the seized property, estimate the property's value, and shall forward a copy of the inventory of seized property and the estimate of the property's value to the Director. Upon receiving notice of seizure, the Director may:
        (1) place the property under seal;
        (2) remove the property to a place designated by him;
        (3) keep the property in the possession of the
    
seizing agency;
        (4) remove the property to a storage area for
    
safekeeping or, if the property is a negotiable instrument or money and is not needed for evidentiary purposes, deposit it in an interest bearing account;
        (5) place the property under constructive seizure by
    
posting notice of pending forfeiture on it, by giving notice of pending forfeiture to its owners and interest holders, or by filing notice of pending forfeiture in any appropriate public record relating to the property; or
        (6) provide for another agency or custodian,
    
including an owner, secured party, or lienholder, to take custody of the property upon the terms and conditions set by the Director.
    (e) No disposition may be made of property under seal until the time for taking an appeal has elapsed or until all appeals have been concluded unless a court, upon application therefor, orders the sale of perishable substances and the deposit of the proceeds of the sale with the court.
    (f) When property is forfeited under this Act the Director shall sell all such property unless such property is required by law to be destroyed or is harmful to the public, and shall distribute the proceeds of the sale, together with any moneys forfeited or seized, in accordance with subsection (g). However, upon the application of the seizing agency or prosecutor who was responsible for the investigation, arrest or arrests and prosecution which lead to the forfeiture, the Director may return any item of forfeited property to the seizing agency or prosecutor for official use in the enforcement of laws relating to cannabis or controlled substances, if the agency or prosecutor can demonstrate that the item requested would be useful to the agency or prosecutor in their enforcement efforts. When any forfeited conveyance, including an aircraft, vehicle, or vessel, is returned to the seizing agency or prosecutor, the conveyance may be used immediately in the enforcement of the criminal laws of this State. Upon disposal, all proceeds from the sale of the conveyance must be used for drug enforcement purposes. When any real property returned to the seizing agency is sold by the agency or its unit of government, the proceeds of the sale shall be delivered to the Director and distributed in accordance with subsection (g).
    (g) All monies and the sale proceeds of all other property forfeited and seized under this Act shall be distributed as follows:
        (1) 65% shall be distributed to the metropolitan
    
enforcement group, local, municipal, county, or state law enforcement agency or agencies which conducted or participated in the investigation resulting in the forfeiture. The distribution shall bear a reasonable relationship to the degree of direct participation of the law enforcement agency in the effort resulting in the forfeiture, taking into account the total value of the property forfeited and the total law enforcement effort with respect to the violation of the law upon which the forfeiture is based. Amounts distributed to the agency or agencies shall be used for the enforcement of laws governing cannabis and controlled substances or for security cameras used for the prevention or detection of violence, except that amounts distributed to the Secretary of State shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Evidence Fund to be used as provided in Section 2‑115 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
        (2)(i) 12.5% shall be distributed to the Office of
    
the State's Attorney of the county in which the prosecution resulting in the forfeiture was instituted, deposited in a special fund in the county treasury and appropriated to the State's Attorney for use in the enforcement of laws governing cannabis and controlled substances. In counties over 3,000,000 population, 25% will be distributed to the Office of the State's Attorney for use in the enforcement of laws governing cannabis and controlled substances. If the prosecution is undertaken solely by the Attorney General, the portion provided hereunder shall be distributed to the Attorney General for use in the enforcement of laws governing cannabis and controlled substances.
        (ii) 12.5% shall be distributed to the Office of the
    
State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor and deposited in the Narcotics Profit Forfeiture Fund of that Office to be used for additional expenses incurred in the investigation, prosecution and appeal of cases arising under laws governing cannabis and controlled substances. The Office of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor shall not receive distribution from cases brought in counties with over 3,000,000 population.
        (3) 10% shall be retained by the Department of State
    
Police for expenses related to the administration and sale of seized and forfeited property.
(Source: P.A. 94‑1004, eff. 7‑3‑06.)

    (720 ILCS 550/13) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 713)
    Sec. 13. (a) In addition to any other remedies the Director is authorized to file a complaint and apply to any circuit court for, and such circuit court may upon hearing and for cause shown, grant a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction, without bond, restraining any person from violating this Act whether or not there exists another adequate remedy.
    (b) A conviction or acquittal, under the laws of the United States or of any State relating to Cannabis for the same act is a bar to prosecution in this State.
(Source: P.A. 83‑342.)

    (720 ILCS 550/14) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 714)
    Sec. 14.
    (a) The Director shall cooperate with Federal and other State agencies in discharging his responsibilities concerning traffic in cannabis and in suppressing the use of cannabis. To this end he may:
    (1) arrange for the exchange of information among governmental officials concerning the use of cannabis;
    (2) coordinate and cooperate in training programs concerning cannabis law enforcement at local and State levels;
    (3) cooperate with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, United States Department of Justice, or its successor agency; and
    (4) conduct programs of eradication aimed at destroying wild illicit growth of plant species from which cannabis may be extracted.
(Source: P.A. 77‑758.)

    (720 ILCS 550/15) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 715)
    Sec. 15. The Department shall encourage research on cannabis. In connection with the research, and in furtherance of the purposes of this Act, it may:
    (1) establish methods to assess accurately the effect of cannabis;
    (2) make studies and undertake programs of research to:
    (i) develop new or improved approaches, techniques, systems, equipment and devices to strengthen the enforcement of this Act;
    (ii) determine patterns of use of cannabis and its social effects; and
    (iii) improve methods for preventing, predicting, understanding, and dealing with the use of cannabis;
    (3) enter into contracts with public agencies, educational institutions, and private organizations or individuals for the purpose of conducting research, demonstrations, or special projects which relate to the use of cannabis.
(Source: P.A. 83‑969.)

    (720 ILCS 550/15.1) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 715.1)
    Sec. 15.1. (a) If any cannabis derivative is designated or rescheduled as a controlled substance under federal law and notice thereof is given to the Department, the Department shall similarly control the substance under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act after the expiration of 30 days from publication in the Federal Register of a final order designating a substance as a controlled substance or rescheduling a substance unless within that 30 day period the Department objects, or a party adversely affected files with the Department substantial written objections to inclusion or rescheduling. In that case, the Department shall publish the reasons for objection or the substantial written objections and afford all interested parties an opportunity to be heard. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Department shall publish its decision, by means of a rule, which shall be final unless altered by statute. Upon publication of objections by the Department, similar control under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act whether by inclusion or rescheduling is suspended until the Department publishes its ruling.
    (b) If any cannabis derivative is deleted as a controlled substance under Federal law and notice thereof is given to the Department, the Department shall similarly control the substance under this Act after the expiration of 30 days from publication in the Federal Register of a final order deleting a substance as a controlled substance or rescheduling a substance unless within that 30 day period the Department objects, or a party adversely affected files with the Department substantial written objections to inclusion or rescheduling. In that case, the Department shall publish the reasons for objection or the substantial written objections and afford all interested parties an opportunity to be heard. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Department shall publish its decision, by means of a rule, which shall be final unless altered by statute. Upon publication of objections by the Department, similar control under this Act whether by inclusion or rescheduling is suspended until the Department publishes its ruling.
    (c) Cannabis derivatives are deemed to be regulated under this Act until such time as those derivatives are scheduled as provided for under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Following such scheduling, those derivatives shall be excepted from this Act and shall be regulated pursuant to the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. At such time that any derivative is deleted from schedules provided for under the Illinois Controlled Substance Act, that derivative shall be regulated pursuant to this Act.
(Source: P.A. 84‑1313; 84‑1362.)

    (720 ILCS 550/16) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 716)
    Sec. 16.
    It is not necessary for the State to negate any exemption or exception in this Act in any complaint, information, indictment or other pleading or in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding under this Act. The burden of proof of any exemption or exception is upon the person claiming it.
(Source: P.A. 77‑758.)

    (720 ILCS 550/16.1) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 716.1)
    Sec. 16.1. In any prosecution for any violation of this Act, it shall be an affirmative defense that the substance possessed by the defendant was regulated as a controlled substance under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. In order to raise this affirmative defense, the defendant shall give notice thereof to the State not less than 7 days prior to trial.
(Source: P.A. 84‑1313; 84‑1362.)

    (720 ILCS 550/16.2)
    Sec. 16.2. Preservation of cannabis or cannabis sativa plants for laboratory testing.
    (a) Before or after the trial in a prosecution for a violation of Section 4, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 8, or 9 of this Act, a law enforcement agency or an agent acting on behalf of the law enforcement agency must preserve, subject to a continuous chain of custody, not less than 6,001 grams of any substance containing cannabis and not less than 51 cannabis sativa plants with respect to the offenses enumerated in this subsection (a) and must maintain sufficient documentation to locate that evidence. Excess quantities with respect to the offenses enumerated in this subsection (a) cannot practicably be retained by a law enforcement agency because of its size, bulk, and physical character.
    (b) The court may before trial transfer excess quantities of any substance containing cannabis or cannabis sativa plants with respect to a prosecution for any offense enumerated in subsection (a) to the sheriff of the county, or may in its discretion transfer such evidence to the Department of State Police, for destruction after notice is given to the defendant's attorney of record or to the defendant if the defendant is proceeding pro se.
    (c) After a judgment of conviction is entered and the charged quantity is no longer needed for evidentiary purposes with respect to a prosecution for any offense enumerated in subsection (a), the court may transfer any substance containing cannabis or cannabis sativa plants to the sheriff of the county, or may in its discretion transfer such evidence to the Department of State Police, for destruction after notice is given to the defendant's attorney of record or to the defendant if the defendant is proceeding pro se. No evidence shall be disposed of until 30 days after the judgment is entered, and if a notice of appeal is filed, no evidence shall be disposed of until the mandate has been received by the circuit court from the Appellate Court.
(Source: P.A. 94‑180, eff. 7‑12‑05.)

    (720 ILCS 550/17) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 717)
    Sec. 17. It is hereby made the duty of the Department of State Police, all peace officers within the State and of all State's attorneys, to enforce all provisions of this Act and to cooperate with all agencies charged with the enforcement of the laws of the United States, of this State, and of all other states, relating to cannabis.
(Source: P.A. 84‑25.)

    (720 ILCS 550/18) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 718)
    Sec. 18.
    Prosecution for any violation of law occurring prior to the effective date of this Act is not affected or abated by this Act. If the offense being prosecuted would be a violation of this Act, and has not reached the sentencing stage or a final adjudication, then for purposes of penalty the penalties under this Act apply if they are less than under the prior law upon which the prosecution was commenced.
(Source: P. A. 77‑758.)

    (720 ILCS 550/19) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 719)
    Sec. 19.
    If any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared severable.
(Source: P. A. 77‑758.)

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