Legislation removing cannabis odor as cause for vehicle search headed to Illinois House

A bill clarifying that law enforcement cannot search a car based solely on the smell of marijuana is moving through the Illinois Statehouse.  The bill, sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura, would still require that cannabis be stored in a secure, sealed, or re-sealable container.

Ventura says the measure aims to bring clarity by directing law enforcement to consider all factors, not just odor, in deciding if the law has been broken.  State Senator Chapin Rose says the legislation defies common sense.

Critics also point to the fact that the smell of cannabis could be used to hide the fact that the driver is transporting other illegal drugs.  The bill passed the Senate and is headed to the House of consideration.

Story from Illinois Radio Network