The decriminalization of marijuana continues.

A bill which has passed the Illinois Senate would make the mere odor of cannabis ineligible as probable cause to search a vehicle. “The odor of cannabis has been a tool to harass and used to search minorities,” said the bill’s sponsor, State Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “This law would help protect all Illinoisans’ Fourth Amendment constitutional rights.”

Yes, but – your nose can’t tell whether the cannabis is legal or illegal – or how much there is, said State Sen. Jil (cq) Tracy (R-Quincy). “We’re taking an important tool from law enforcement to stop illegal trade of huge amounts of cannabis,” she said. “Not the legal. Not the legal.”

SB 125 has passed the Senate, 33-20.