Bill that Would Legalize Marijuana will not be Voted During Session

Legislation that would have legalized marijuana in Illinois will not be called for a vote this Session.

Lawmakers discussed two bills that would have legalized weed.

Chicago State Senator, Heather Steans, said the bills are really a start of a process.

Instead, they'll continue hearing from residents and exploring its potential impacts.

"You know, two years ago I was not somebody who felt like this was necessarily the right thing to be doing. In Illinois, as I have been looking, and understanding, and learning, from medical marijuana experience here and when we had done the Decrim bill last year, I have become convinced that trying to do a tax and regulate structure really makes a lot of sense. Prohibition right now, I think just does not work." Senator Heather Steans, D-Chicago, said.

The committee will hold more hearings this Session and in the future to hear feedback from people.