Joliet, IL Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)

Article X of Chapter 21, adopted by Ord. No. 18033 on December 17, 2019 to implement the state's cannabis legalization locally, separately regulates cannabis possession (Section 21-152) and cannabis use location (Section 21-153). Section 21-153(b) prohibits using cannabis or any cannabis-containing product in six settings: on a school bus (unless permitted for a qualifying medical patient or caregiver), on the grounds of any preschool, primary or secondary school (same medical exception), in any motor vehicle, in any public place, knowingly in close proximity to anyone under 21 who is not a registered medical cannabis patient, and anywhere smoking is already prohibited under the Smoke Free Illinois Act.

'Public place' is defined in Section 21-151 as any place where a person could reasonably be expected to be observed by others, including any building owned, leased or occupied in whole or part by the state or a local government; it excludes a private residence unless that residence is used for licensed child care, foster care or similar social-service purposes. A parallel possession subsection bars carrying cannabis in a school bus or on school grounds, and requires cannabis carried in a vehicle not open to the public to be in a reasonably secured, sealed container that is inaccessible while the vehicle moves.

Section 21-154 layers on related offenses, including underage misrepresentation of age to buy cannabis, facilitating underage use or possession, and a parent or guardian knowingly allowing a minor invitee to use cannabis on property under their control. None of Article X sets its own fine schedule, so enforcement runs through the Code's general penalty provision.