Governor signs off on marijuana “decriminalization” law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Despite no votes from State Senator Sue Rezin and State Representative Andy Skoog, Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation that makes marijuana possession in small amounts punishable only with fines and no jail time.

The new law means possessing 10 grams or less of marijuana will be punishable with a fine of up to $200. The governor’s signature makes Illinois the 17th state to treat possession of marijuana in small amounts as a civil offense rather than a criminal one.

Rauner signed the so-called marijuana “decriminalization” law on Friday.