A bill that will replace criminal penalties with civil fines for possession of small amounts of marijuana was just approved by the Illinois House.

Man Lying in a Pile of Junk Food Calls Cops, "I'm Too High"
Getty Images
loading...

Senator Heather Steans introduced SB 2228 to the State Senate, the bill would decriminalize the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana. Instead of penalties, those in possession will be punished with a fine between $100 and $200 with no jail time.

Currently it is a class C misdemeanor to be in possession of up to 2.5 grams of weed which is punishable by up to 30 days in jail with a $1,500 fine. Possession of 2.5 to 10 grams ends with six months of jail time and the same fine.

"Illinois is long overdue for creating marijuana policies that treat our residents more fairly and free law enforcement up for more serious crime," said Rep. Kelly Cassidy. "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."

Read more at ABC 7.

More From 97X