With a measure to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possession headed to the governor’s desk, proponents and opponents alike are taking a look at the future of pot in Illinois.

Illinois Chapter of the National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws Executive Director Dan Linn says lawmakers need to legalize industrial hemp farming, make the medical cannabis pilot program permanent.

Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems opposes that idea. Executive Director Anita Bedell says it’s unrealistic to think legalizing cannabis for recreational use will happen and not create a headache for the state.

“It’s just a pipe dream to think you’re going to legalize another drug, get money for it and not have any new problems,” Bedell said.
Gov. Bruce Rauner says if the changes in the decriminalization bill passed this week are in line with his amendatory veto of a similar bill last year, he probably will sign the bill.