Don't get your hopes too high quite yet, pot puffers.

Despite the release of a highly favorable poll today, one of the sponsors of a plan to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Illinois says she won't press for a vote on the measure until at least next year.

"Our members need some time to get more comfortable with this," said state Sen. Heather Steans, who last week along with Rep. Kelly Cassidy introduced legislation to allow those of at least 21 years of age to grow or buy up to an ounce of marijuana without legal sanction.

"(But) this will help," Steans said. "Public sentiment has been moving pretty fast."

Steans was reacting to a survey by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University that found a stunning two-thirds of voters saying they support the legalization of pot "if taxed and regulated like alcohol."

An even greater 74 percent urge a smaller step: decriminalization, in which someone found in possession of a small amount of the substance for personal use would be subject only to a fine, not jail.

Support for full legalization was wide across the state and among political subdivisions. While such backing was strongest among Democrats, young people and Chicagoans, the plan gets support from 52 percent of Republicans surveyed, 54 percent of downstaters and 51 percent of those 66 and older, the institute said.

Just 31 percent of voters overall indicated they oppose or strongly oppose such an action.

Steans and Cassidy, both Chicago Democrats, said the measure would pull in $350 million to $700 million a year for the strapped treasury if marijuana were taxed at $50 an ounce. Under their legislation, proceeds would be split between the general fund and education/public health.

Steans said she expects subject matter-only hearings to be held later this spring in both chambers. And while sponsors will consider accelerating their timetable, social questions such as this generally need some time, Steans said, pointing to years of intense debate before the state legalized same-sex marriage.

The poll was conducted by phone March 4 to 11 and has an error margin of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.