Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Approved in Illinois

HB 218 replaces the threat of jail time and a criminal record with a civil penalty — a $125 fine, similar to a traffic ticket — for possession of a small amount of marijuana

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois could soon become the latest state to remove criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana after both chambers of the legislature approved a measure to replace criminal charges with a civil law violation.

On Thursday, the Illinois Senate voted 37-19 to approve a measure to make the possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana a…