A central Illinois law enforcement leader says they are coming across more encounters with the public and cannabis, and believes it is a messaging issue.

Since the legalization of marijuana in 2020, the State of Illinois has seen an annual increase in cannabis sales of adult-use marijuana. On the WHOW Morning Show, Tuesday, Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross indicates they have already issued as many cannabis related DUIs in 2026 as they did in 2025.

For Chief Bross, the messaging from the State of Illinois did not do a good job of explaining what the legalization of recreational marijuana meant in Illinois, what the rules and laws were, and it is leaving the public sometimes caught off guard because they are not aware of those things.

For Chief Bross and Monticello PD, the message is simply - treat cannabis like alcohol, and if you are going to partake, do so in the comfort of your own home and have a designated driver in the event you need to travel.

Chief Bross says it is easy for the public to be uncertain of the laws of cannabis because of how available and accessible it is right now. On top of that, there are so many ways to consume cannabis. 

Chief Bross encourages finding the Monticello Police Department on Facebook for more.