Illinois is currently working on implementing the decriminalization of marijuana, meaning that small amounts of cannabis will only be punishable by small fines within state borders.
According to High Times, the vote was approved by the Illinois House at a vote of 64-to-50. Now, those who are found in possession of small amounts of cannabis will not be given jail time. Senate Bill 2228, which was initially proposed by Senator Heather Steans, is now on its way to becoming law.
This bill is actually just a slightly updated and tweaked version of a bill introduced last year that got vetoed for being too radical and liberal. Instead of allowing up to 15 grams of cannabis on a person searched, the new bill only allows 10. It also increases fines – those caught with small amounts of marijuana will now be charged $100-200 instead of $55-125.
This is by no means groundbreaking, as Illinois is still behind when it comes to medical cannabis, and are nowhere close to having a recreational system in place. However, it is a big step that those with only a small amount of marijuana in their possession will no longer have to spend time in jail or dealing with court and legal fees.
“Illinois is long overdue for creating marijuana policies that treat our residents more fairly and free law enforcement up for more serious crime,” Rep. Kelly Cassidy, one of the Senators who sponsored the House version of the legislation, told High Times. “We should not spend our resources arresting and jailing people just for the possession of a small amount of marijuana. This bill is an important step, and I am happy to be a part of this change in policy.”
While this is only a small step forward for legalization in Illinois, local advocates are happy with the progress, and the fact that their state no longer carries a zero tolerance policy for cannabis users.
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