The state Senate on Thursday voted to ask on the November ballot whether recreational use of marijuana should be legalized and taxed in Illinois.
The ballot question would be only advisory, so even if voters approve, lawmakers still would have to act.
Sponsoring Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, said it is important to poll the public because some lawmakers are already working to legalize recreational marijuana use for people over 21. He noted that in most states that allow recreational use, it was done by voters expressing support in the ballot box.
“I think it well advised for us as members of the Illinois General Assembly, before we possibly take a vote on this issue, to find out what our voters think. As I said, it’s been done in virtually every other state that has considered this questions,” Cunningham said.
The measure cleared the Senate on a 37-13 vote, sending it to the House. State Sen. Heather Steans, who is sponsoring a bill to legalize recreational use, voted “present.”
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