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Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Wafts To Governor's Desk

Brett Levin
/
Flickr

Legislation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Illinois is on its way to Gov. 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.