Michael O'Donnell

Based in Wheaton, Michael O'Donnell handles cannabis and marijuana law matters in Illinois. Admitted 21 years ago, O'Donnell studied law at DePaul College of Law. Related work listed for O'Donnell covers DUI matters turning on drug-recognition evidence and the limits of THC testing, vehicle and traffic offenses arising from the same stop as a drug charge and possession and distribution charges that still apply outside the licensing system.

Adult use is legal in Illinois and the commercial market is licensed, so questions tend to be about who qualifies for a license, what obligations attach to it, and where local rules override the state framework. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation administers the state program. Illinois stands out as a market where licensing has run through lotteries and social equity criteria, producing a steady stream of application and ownership disputes.