Preparation is underway for the new strategy of regulating marijuana at Antioch Community High School beginning January 1st, 2020, marijuana will be legal in Illinois for recreational use. 

Illinois has passed a bill that legalizes recreational marijuana for anyone at the age of 21.  Social Studies department chair, Jaclyn Orlov, stresses the importance of education about the drug.

“We teach about the consciousness in the curriculum,” Orlov said. “For me, part of my job is to make students aware of how different drugs affect our consciousness. I will make sure that in the conversation, we’re talking about those effects.”

In addition, Student Assistance Program coordinator Brett Heintz believes students should prepare for the upcoming change in the community of Antioch. 

“We need to be open and honest about marijuana and why we’re using it,” Heintz said. “We have to be comfortable with talking to each other, so we don’t have to rely on substances.”

With the increased exposure to marijuana in the coming years, The Chicago Tribune recognizes that possible questions could be raised about the subject.  

“Law enforcement officials and marijuana advocates alike said they were still going through the 600-plus page law and will hold educational sessions to help implement the law,” Robert McCoppen and Alicia Fabber of the Chicago Tribune wrote. “They will lobby for any necessary changes in a follow-up ‘trailer’ bill to clear up potential inconsistencies and contradictions.” 

In the near future, this controversial issue will help Antioch grow as a community through the success or failure of this new strategy.