Illinois Supreme Court Rules Raw Cannabis Smell Justifies Vehicle Searches

The court's decision contrasts with a prior ruling that the smell of burnt cannabis alone does not warrant a search, creating legal inconsistencies.

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that police can search vehicles if they detect the smell of raw cannabis, citing potential violations of transportation laws.
This decision stems from a 2020 case involving Vincent Molina, where cannabis was found in a vehicle but not stored in an odor-proof container as required by Illinois law.
In contrast, the court previously ruled that the smell of burnt cannabis does not justify a search, as it may indicate prior use outside the vehicle rather than a current violation.
Dissenting justices criticized the inconsistency, arguing it is illogical to treat the smell of raw cannabis as more conclusive than burnt cannabis regarding illegal activity.
Defense attorneys plan to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, while the Illinois Supreme Court suggested lawmakers address discrepancies in cannabis-related statutes.