Illinois Senate passes recreational marijuana bill, sends bill to House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The push to legalize recreational marijuana use took a big step forward in Illinois Wednesday after the Senate passed a recreational marijuana bill. The bill is now heading to the House. HB 1438 passed the Senate with 38 voting in favor and 17 opposed. Two senators voted present and two were no votes. Earlier in the day, the Senate executive committee signed off changes to the bill. Only medical patients would be allowed to grow at home. Employers have protections. Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker would pardon low-level non-violent drug offenders. FULL STORY