Friday, May 17, 2013
Passed by a 35-21 vote, the bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has not yet said whether he intends to sign it.
By a vote of 35-21, the Illinois Senate approved legislation on Friday that would allow doctors in the state to prescribe marijuana as pain relief for severe medical conditions. The bill now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature. According to the Chicago Tribune, the bill covers 33 specific conditions—including multiple sclerosis, cancer and HIV infection—and includes several controls, with a four-year trial program, dosage limits, fingerprinting, background checks and licensed dispensing centers. “This bill is filled with walls to keep this limited,” the paper quoted sponsoring Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), who urged lawmakers to pass the legislation as a compassionate measure for those suffering with extreme pain. In opposition, Sen. …
Friday, January 11, 2013
Village officials outlined this week the first steps that will be taken locally if Illinois lawmakers allow medical marijuana to be grown and distributed.
If Illinois legislators decide to allow medical marijuana, Buffalo Grove wants to be prepared to address a possible impact on the village. A proposed state law, known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, would allow nonprofit medical cannabis organizations to grow, harvest and distribute cannabis. The proposal would allow medical marijuana to be distributed from one center in each Illinois Senate District. Buffalo Grove falls within both the 29th and 30th Senate Districts, which means the village could potentially host two distribution centers if the proposal passes. Because this is uncharted territory for Buffalo Grove and other communities in the state, village officials said they want to be prepared. Trustees …
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Medical marijuana is legal in 16 states. Should Illinois follow suit?
The federal government has stepped up a crackdown on medical marijuana users and distributors. The Huffington Post recently reported raids on those involved with medical marijuana and President Obama’s apparent decision to back away from a 2007 campaign pledge. Medical marijuana is legal in 16 states. A medical marijuana bill was defeated in the Illinois House earlier this year. The same bill, championed by state Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), also fell short in November 2011. Some prominent local politicians, including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, have decried the use of law enforcement resources to incarcerate non-violent drug offenders. “Instead of dealing with our addiction problem in this country with a public health …
Dan Arenov
8:58 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sounds like a blast. more ›