March 19, 2007

Springfield … Convicted drug dealers will serve longer jail sentences under legislation sponsored by State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst). House Bill 456, which passed the House, would make it a super Class X felony to individuals who knowingly deliver, possess with intent to deliver or manufacture more than 40,000 grams (approximately 92 lbs) of any substance containing cannabis (commonly called marijuana, pot or weed). A person found guilty of a super Class X felony would serve a sentence of not less than 9 years and not more than 40 years.

“Individuals who are caught with more than 92 lbs of marijuana are not casual drug users but predators of our society. These predators need to be off our streets and locked up for as long as possible,” Reboletti said.

Currently, an individual who knowingly delivers, possesses with intent to deliver or manufactures more than 5,000 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a Class X felony which carries a sentence of 6-30 years.

Reboletti said, “Marijuana is commonly seen as a gateway drug. If we as a society can curb access to these gateway drugs, hopefully we can start to make a dent on this culture of drug use.”

House Bill 456 passed the House and now moves to the Senate for committee assignment. For additional information, Rep. Reboletti can be contacted at (630) 530-2730.