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Ill. Lawmakers Pass Bill to Decriminalize, but Still Fine, Marijuana Possession

Ivan Mikhaylov
/
123rf Stock Photo

Legislation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Illinois is on its way to Governor Bruce Rauner's desk. 

The House approved the measure Wednesday on a 64-50 vote. It had previously passed the Senate.

The bill would impose fines between $100 and $200 for possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana but no jail time.

Rauner vetoed a bill last year that had lower fines and made possession of up to 15 grams a civil offense.

Rauner recommended the higher fines and lower threshold.

The bill also sets a standard for what's considered too high to drive. A driver's blood would have to contain 5 nanograms of THC, marijuana's intoxicating chemical, within two hours of consumption to be considered impaired.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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