-Illinois becomes the 11th state to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
Recently, Illinois became the 11th state to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
The bill, HB1438, was recently signed by Illinois’ governor and will go into effect on 1-1-2020.
The text of the bill can be viewed here: ==> http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/PDF/10100HB1438enr.pdf
In addition to legalizing marijuana for recreational use, there is also a provision that means nearly 800,000 people with criminal records for purchasing or possessing 30 grams of marijuana or less may have those records expunged.
In light of the changing legal landscape regarding allowances in drug usage, we have begun to see the advent of 4- panel and 9- panel screens which do not test for cannabinoids (marijuana) as the earlier, traditional 5- panel and 10- panel screens have. See the table below for the typical 5, 4, 10 and 9 panel tests:
| Screen/Test |
Drugs Tested |
| 5 Panel | Amphetamines; Cocaine; Cannabinoids; Opiates; Phencyclidine |
| 4 Panel | Amphetamines; Cocaine; Opiates; Phencyclidine |
| 10 Panel | Amphetamines; Barbiturates; Benzodiazepines; Cocaine; Cannabinoids; Methadone; Methaqualone; Opiates; Phencyclidine; Propoxyphene |
| 9 Panel | Amphetamines; Barbiturates; Benzodiazepines; Cocaine; Methadone; Methaqualone; Opiates; Phencyclidine; Propoxyphene |
Whether your company uses the traditional 5- or 10-panel drug screens, or the updated 4- or 9-panel drug screens, you will want to discuss this with your drug screening specialists who can answer all your questions, and help empower you with the tools you will need to make the best decisions for your company, its employees, and your future success.