Pot Smokers May Just Get Tickets

Illinois lawmakers are considering a proposal that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Instead, people caught with 10 grams or less of cannabis would pay a maximum fine of 200 dollars. Brendan Nemec with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office told state senators it's a more efficient use of law enforcement officers. "We think a much more fair and just punishment and a streamlined punishment is a citation. It's going to send a message to the individuals who are caught smoking marijuana in public, who are caught with just mere possession of marijuana." The proposal passed out of committee, and now heads to the full Senate. The proposal would also set a standard for impaired driving. A similar plan nearly became law last year, but Governor Bruce Rauner wanted tighter restrictions. This revived version mirrors Rauner's wishes.