Illinois Lawmakers Hold Meetings to Legalize Recreational Weed

President of the Cook County Board Toni Preckwinkle also spoke at the hearing, citing the disproportionate targeting of minorities by police as a factor. “As we strive to preserve and protect our communities, we need resources,” she said“>said. “We waste millions of dollars on prosecuting residents on low levels of drug charges including possession of small amounts of marijuana that are often dropped before or at trial.” Preckwinkle also said that White students and professionals are infrequently arrested or detained over marijuana. She added that marijuana prohibition does not work and that regulations will keep the community safer.