Illinois Lawmakers consider ending marijuana prohibition

SPRINGFIELD, IL- (Cortney Cruise, WSIL-TV Click to read the full story. Here is an excerpt) Illinois lawmakers are considering a plan to regulate and tax legal marijuana use for adults. Legislation introduced in the House and Senate Wednesday would allow adults 21 and older to purchase marijuana legally from a business licensed by the state. The Senate bill, SB 316, is sponsored by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Heather Steans (D-Chicago), while the House version, HB 2353, was presented by Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago). “Marijuana prohibition is a quagmire that creates far more problems than it prevents,” Cassidy said. “Several states have adopted sensible alternatives to prohibition, and it is time for Illinois to develop its own exit strategy.”