Just more than a week after introducing a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois, sponsors have begun retooling the measure to appease critics.

In one of the most fundamental changes, sponsors say it is likely they will eliminate a provision to let all adult state residents grow up to five plants at home.

A member of the leading cannabis advocacy group, Illinois NORML, said if that change is made, the group will have to reconsider whether to support the bill.

But the change would address concerns from law enforcement that the homegrown provisions would make it difficult to find illegal growers.

State Sen. Heather Steans and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, who are sponsors of the measure, as well as state Rep. Toi Hutchinson, confirmed they were strongly considering limiting five homegrown plants to medical marijuana patients only to ensure their access to medicine.

“We know we’re filing an amendment,” Steans said of the homegrown cutback. “I think that is likely.”

Westchester police Chief Steve Stelter, president of the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association, welcomed the proposed change, saying it will help prevent illegal growing operations.

“That would make a huge difference,” Stelter said. [Read more at Chicago Tribune]



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