Local Voices

Is That for Weed or Tobacco? Chicago Alderman Wants to Know

Ald. Tom Tunney of the 44th Ward has proposed an ordinance intended to be a nuisance for head shops in Chicago, according to DNA Info. 

The ordinance, which was approved by the License and Consumer Protection Committee on Wednesday, would require shops selling smoking accessories such as pipes and rolling papers to report the percentage of total shelf space used for tobacco accessories, the total sales derived from those accessories. 

According to DNA Info, the ordinance would also "educate them about the Drug Paraphernalia Act" in Illinois. "They will be more cautious," he said. State law prohibits the sale of drug paraphernalia, but it's a blurred line when items such as pipes could be used for tobacco but in many cases aren't. 

Tunney's opponent in the 2015 aldermanic election, The Alley stores owner Mark Thomas, said the ordinance is "silly," according to DNA Info, especially at a time when marijuana laws are being loosened nationwide. 

Read the full report from DNA Info


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