2019-12RESOLUTION 2019 - 12
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE LEGALIZATION OF THE RECREATIONAL USE
OF MARIJUANA
WHEREAS, the possession and use of marijuana is illegal in the United States under federal
law, but a few states have permitted the recreational use of marijuana for non -medical purposes;
and
WHEREAS, there is legitimate concern about the potential increase in cases of "Driving Under
the Influence" with many police departments expressing concern that there is not yet a reliable
and accurate way to measure the impairment of a driver who may have consumed marijuana;
WHEREAS, several other states, including Colorado, have recently legalized the recreational
use of marijuana and are beginning to record data related to this change in policy; such data will
illustrate both the benefits and possible detrimental effects of legalization, whether related to
health, public safety, the effects on children, or any number of other issues;
WHEREAS, the social costs appear to far outweigh any short-term revenue gains from
legalization of recreational marijuana; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the
President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Buffalo Grove, Cook and Lake County, Illinois,
that:
The Village of Buffalo Grove has concerns on any policy and program initiatives to
legalize the recreational use of marijuana for non -medical purposes by adults, because of the
social impact, the short-term and long-term risks for children and adolescents, in terms of their
health and future intellectual potential; and for the general well-being of youth and the
community.
In the event that the legislature decides to pursue expansion of marijuana usage in
Illinois, we urge lawmakers to slow the process of legalizing recreational marijuana in Illinois, so
that lawmakers, stakeholders, and experts alike have the chance to consider the societal impact of
legalization and examine all of the data from other states that have passed similar legislation.
Lawmakers should not rush irresponsible legislation purely for perceived short term tax revenues
without considering data regarding social costs and should consider the health and safety of
Illinoisans as their first priority when considering the question of legalization;
Municipalities must be guaranteed the right to retain local authority to regulate the
distribution of cannabis in their communities to ensure proper compliance with all local and state
rules. Cannabis distribution should follow the long-established liquor licensing model, where the
Illinois Liquor Commission issues state licenses and each municipality has licensing authority
and the ability to oversee and swiftly address violations.
Municipalities must retain the right of control over zoning and siting of cannabis
distribution locations.
Home cultivation without local oversight is problematic, therefore the Village of Buffalo
Grove opposes home cultivation. If allowed, at a minimum, any legislation must include a
process requiring home cultivators to register with local authorities and provide permission to
access cultivation sites in order to monitor compliance.
Legalization should not be considered until a standardized method of determining the
potency of edibles can be established to reliably inform and protect consumers of edible cannabis
products;
Recreational cannabis legislation must address impaired driving standards and
enforcement including observational standards permitting local authorities to establish prima
facie cases of impaired driving.
Municipal law enforcement agencies must be provided the necessary funding to both
fully train their patrol officers for this new environment (such as the Intensive Drug Recognition
Expert training program) and purchase and necessary equipment (such as cannabis impairment
detection testing devices that may be authorized for future use in Illinois). Funding for law
enforcement is required even if the municipality does not have a cannabis distribution
facility.
AYES: 4 — Stein Ottenheimer, Weidenfeld Sussman
NAYES: 3 — Johnson Smith Pike
ABSENT: 0 - None
PASSED: May 20, 2019.
APPROVED: May 20, 2019.
APPROVED:
I I" V'o - 'L
Beverly Suss n, Village President
ATTEST:
... K w m .
Janet ivf". Sirabian, Village Clerk