Recreational pot in Illinois will soon be legal, but it is banned federally. It could still cause renters in government housing to lose their living situation through its use or possession.

Last week, housing subsidy beneficiaries received a letter from the federal department warning them of the consequences of smoking or using cannabis on federally funded properties even after it is legal on January 1. Basically, people who violate federal law will face getting evicted.

This disparity in state and federal law, one of several with regards to cannabis use in states where it is legal for recreational or medicinal use, illustrates that there is still a double standard about weed, especially for low-income communities and people of color who have been unfairly targeted by the drug war. Attorneys, tenant supporters and policy experts all concur that the current law on drug use in public housing across the country will result in fines or evictions for tenants who use cannabis, including those who use marijuana for medical purposes. 

Ultimately, landlords will be able to decide whether or not to evict tenants who are caught using marijuana, rather than risk their whole building being shut down.