Hey everyone, let’s dive into something important happening with Illinois cannabis laws. There’s two bills, House Bill 3061 & House Bill 3513, in the 104th General Assembly, that’s looking to create rules for places where you can legally consume cannabis, like temporary events and hospitality venues. While having these spaces is a great idea, Couch Lock’d has been looking at HB3061/HB3513, and we’re concerned it sets up a system that heavily favors businesses with lots of money – what we’re calling a “pay-to-play” system for getting licensed.
When we talk about “pay-to-play” here, we’re not talking about political donations. We mean the way the bill’s requirements for getting a license could make it too expensive and difficult for smaller businesses and local folks to even get started.
Here’s the deal with HB3061/HB3513 and why we see it as a potential problem:
The bill gives counties and municipalities the power to issue these consumption licenses. But, it doesn’t just let them figure it out on their own; it requires them to include specific things in their local rules before any licenses can be given out. These required elements are where the financial barriers come in.
- Mandatory and Potentially High Fees: HB3061/HB3513 requires local ordinances to include application and permit fees. The bill itself doesn’t set limits on how high these fees can be. This means local governments could set fees at levels that are simply too expensive for individuals or small businesses. The initial cost just to apply or get the necessary permits could immediately shut out applicants who don’t have significant capital, giving a big advantage to larger, well-funded companies.
- Costly Venue Requirements: The bill also requires local rules to include detailed standards for the physical spaces where consumption would happen. For instance, it mentions mandating specific ventilation systems for indoor areas and physical barriers for outdoor spaces. Meeting these kinds of requirements means businesses will have to spend a lot of money on building or renovating their locations, installing specialized equipment, and potentially making other costly modifications. This significant upfront investment is a major hurdle that many smaller operators simply won’t be able to afford, even if they could handle the fees.
Think About This: Why Not Just Update the Existing Law?
Instead of building this whole new system with HB3061/HB3513, which seems likely to create these financial roadblocks, couldn’t Illinois use something we already have? The Smoke Free Illinois Act is already in place and regulates where smoking is allowed. It seems like a more straightforward path could be to amend the Smoke Free Illinois Act to include specific provisions for licensed cannabis consumption areas.
Updating an existing law might be a more efficient way to establish necessary health and safety standards for consumption spaces without creating the same level of financial burden and complication that HB3061/HB3513 appears to introduce. It feels like these bills creates unnecessary steps and costs that could limit who can participate in this part of the cannabis market.
Couch Lock’d believes in a fair and accessible cannabis industry for everyone in Illinois. We think these two bills, as they stand, creates barriers that go against that idea.
Here’s How You Can Speak Up:
If you agree that the licensing process for cannabis consumption venues should be fair and open to everyone, not just those with the most money, please reach out to your State Representative.
- You can find their contact information easily on the Illinois General Assembly website (ILGA.gov).
- Contact them by email or phone. Let them know you’re concerned about HB3061 potentially creating a “pay-to-play” system through high fees and costly venue requirements.
- Mention that you think amending the Smoke Free Illinois Act could be a better way to regulate consumption spaces without these high barriers.
Your voice is important in making sure Illinois’ cannabis laws work for the community and for small businesses, not just big corporations.
Email Template to Send to Your Representative
Subject: Oppose HB3061/HB3513 – Support Fair Cannabis Regulations
Dear [Representative’s Name],
I am writing as a concerned voter and supporter of Illinois’ legal cannabis industry.
House Bill HB3061 & HB3513 places unnecessary restrictions on cannabis consumption events by requiring special permits, adding red tape that limits industry growth and consumer access. Event holders should have the right to allow cannabis consumption on their own property without excessive government interference, just as tobacco is allowed in designated areas under the Smoke-free Illinois Act.
Rather than overregulating the industry, I urge you to oppose these two bills, HB3061 & HB3513, and instead advocate for reasonable amendments to the Smoke-free Illinois Act that allow for designated cannabis consumption areas.
This approach ensures fairness, supports small businesses, and respects consumer rights while maintaining public safety.
Please stand with the Illinois cannabis community by rejecting HB3061/HB3513 and working toward practical, balanced regulations.
Sincerely,
[First & Last Name]
Written by Midwest Dazed
COUCH LOCK’D 