Illinois Senate Approves Marijuana Legalization Bill

A long-awaited plan to legalize recreational marijuana use in Illinois has received the endorsement of the state senate. 

Adults 21 and older could legally buy marijuana from licensed dispensaries and could possess up to one ounce (30 grams) under the plan the Senate voted to approve on Wednesday night by a 38-17 vote. 

Earlier in the day, the Senate's Executive Committee approved the measure by a 13-3 vote. 

The Senate approval now sends the bill to the House. 

Chicago Democratic Sen. Heather Steans, the bill's sponsor, has garnered some Republican support in her quest for Illinois to join 10 other states in allowing recreational use. She appeased law enforcement by changing the legislation to limit homegrown pot to qualified medical-marijuana patients. And she tightened a provision that allows people with past convictions of possession of 30 grams to one pound (500 grams) to get those records expunged.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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