In May 2009 the Illinois Senate passed S.B. 1381, better known as “The Compassionate Use […] The post One Step Closer to Medical Marijuana appeared first on Harter & Schottland.

In May 2009 the Illinois Senate passed S.B. 1381, better known as “The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act.” That vote sent it to the Illinois House of Representative where it has stalled ever since. It has been offered for a vote by its sponsor, Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, more than once. However, when it appeared that it would not pass it was withdrawn. It has been raised by Mr. Lang a couple of times since- each time coming up short by a matter of only a few votes. Each time the bill was tightened to become the strictest medical marijuana law in the nation. After some continued lobbying by Mr. Lang, as well as external interests, it was finally offered to the full House today. Recently there has been a lot of support of House Bill 1. The Chicago Tribune and Sun Times both came out in support days before the vote. One day ahead of the vote an association of 250 doctors thoughout Illinois questioned why legislators should be deciding what is an appropriate treatment for sick patients, rather than doctors, and asked that the House approve the bill. Additionally, potential medical marijuana growers, drug reform agencies, and sick patients all lobbied legislators. Of course, there were certain drug warriors lobbying against the bill, as well. For example, various police officers and a former DEA Administrator who now operates a drug testing company came out in strong opposition. However, late this afternoon the House passed H.B.0001 by a margin of 61-57. The bill now heads back to the Senate for approval of the House version of the medical marijuana law. Senate President John Cullerton has already expressed support of the bill. Further, since the bill is tigther and more restrictive than what was already passed by the Senate in 2009, there is every reason to believe the Senate will approve the bill. From there it will head to Governor Quinn. Today Quinn reported that he was recently visited from an injured war veteran who was helped greatly by the use of cannabis. Quinn reported being impressed and said that he was “certainly open-minded to it.” The law is only to last for four years unless extended or a new law is passed. The bill does not allow patients to grow their own medicine. Instead it sets up a system of 60 dispensaries throughout the state where patients with limited qualifying illnesses or conditions may obtain medical cannabis. To benefit from the program a patient must get a recommendation from a treating physician who has a bona fide history of treating the patient for the complained of, qualifying illness or condition. Additionally, to allay some concerns primarily from the law enforcement community and other drug warriors, patients will be required to submit to field sobriety testing upon request from a police officer or face specific penalties. This requirement, however, does not take into account that most of the qualifying illness or conditions would inherently affect a patient’s ability to pass a field sobriety test. A summary of the bill can be found here . If you would like to contact your senator to express your thoughts on this bill Click here to find out who your senator is. Illinois will become the 19th state to pass a medical marijuana law, in addition to Washington D.C..

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