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Rahm Emanuel calls for statewide marijuana decriminalization

"It is time to put our sentencing policies in line with our values," said Emanuel.

By Matt Bradwell
rlw/cc/Christine Chew UPI
rlw/cc/Christine Chew UPI | License Photo

CHICAGO, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is calling on Illinois state lawmakers to decriminalize marijuana possession in ilthe state or at least reduce the penalty for possession of under a gram of any controlled substance to a misdemeanor.

Compared to other areas where marijuana remains illegal, Chicago has reasonably lenient punishments for possession. Individuals caught with 15 grams of marijuana or less are subject to up to $500 fine without jail time. Despite what some see as a soft sentence, the individual is still punished and, in Emanuel's eyes, any punishment runs the risk of leaving someone caught in the criminal justice system.

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"It is time to put our sentencing policies in line with our values, reduce penalties for nonviolent, low-level drug offenses so we don't put people in prison who need drug treatment," Emanuel said in a statement from the mayor's office.

"It doesn't make sense that one arrest for a very small amount of a controlled substance can lead to a lifetime of struggles, sending people in and out of prison and putting up barriers to getting a job or finding a place to live. We need action from Springfield."

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