#246 - Cannabis Is Legal in Illinois, So Why Are People Still Being Arrested

Despite cannabis being legal in Illinois, people are still being arrested, charged, and even serving long prison sentences for marijuana related offenses. In this episode, I unpack recent reporting that highlights just how much criminalization remains baked into Illinois law and why legalization did not bring the relief many expected. We dig into possession limits, enforcement disparities, and how criminal penalties continue to fall hardest on marginalized communities. Drawing from years of reporting and my own mini documentary, this episode breaks down what legalization changed, what it did not, and why true decriminalization remains unfinished business in Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/22/e246/