Illinois Lawmakers Launch Effort To Legalize Marijuana in State

State Senator Heather Steans says that marijuana prohibition hasn’t worked any better than alcohol prohibition. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are banding together to push efforts for legalization in the state.

Marijuana Policy Project says that the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois could bring between $350-$700 million in revenue, according to CBS Chicago. Representative Kelly Cassidy believes that lawmakers are willing to move toward legalization. The move, however, would be gone about slowly.

Steans said, “We estimate that doing it this way, we can generate revenues up to $350 million and $700 million, so it’d be given the way we are right now in the state, we think talking about this revenue potential is timely and important.”

Cassidy said, “The bill that has been introduced reflects some of the lessons learned in other states that have already gone all the way to tax and regulate, but we also want to have a really thorough and thoughtful conversation.”

Coalition for a Safer Illinois pointed out that most of Illinois voters support a better approach. This week the state will hold a legislative hearing regarding recreational legalization.