Are you in favor of legalizing marijuana in Illinois? You may soon have a chance to have your voice heard.
State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) is sponsoring SB 2275, which would place an advisory question on the 2018 ballot asking voters if they support legalizing marijuana in the state. Cunningham said the question will “help gauge the public’s opinion on the subject.”
“The debate over marijuana legalization is continuing to lead many states to consider various ideas and changes to current laws,” Cunningham said. “Asking the people of Illinois how they feel about the subject can help determine which path we take as legislators.”
The referendum would ask voters the following yes-or-no question: “Do you support the legalization of possession and use of marijuana by persons who are at least 21 years of age, subject to regulation and taxation that is similar to the regulation and taxation of tobacco and alcohol?”
As an advisory question, a majority of votes cast in the affirmative would not actually legalize the sale of recreational marijuana. The bill passed the Senate 31-13 and now heads to the House for a vote.
credit:week.com