It didn't take long for the negative consequences of new pot laws to take effect. Within hours of the new year, several people showed up in Illinois emergency rooms complaining of cannabis-related illnesses.
Recreational use of marijuana became legal in the state on Jan. 1, 2020. Currently eleven states and Washington, DC, have now legalized marijuana for recreational use for adults over 21. Thirty-three states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes only.
Illinois doctors and other health officials report a surge in emergency room visits from people overindulging on cannabis.
"I worked several shifts since the new year has started and I'm seeing a cannabis-related incident just about every shift that I have worked so far," said Dr. Trevonne Thompson, an emergency room physician and toxicology director at the University of Illinois at Chicago hospital.
Thompson noted the novice marijuana users are coming into the hospital at the highest rate.
AllSides Picks
Youth Voices
State Mandates Capping Insulin Costs: A Help or Hindrance?
The Alliance for Civic Engagement
June 15th, 2026
Red Blue Translator
FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
Red Blue Translator
Affordable Care Act
