Medical marijuana bill defeated, but still alive
Once again, the Illinois House of
Representatives failed to pass medical marijuana legislation when it came up
for a vote in early May. The final tally for HB
30, The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, was 53-61,
with four voting “present.” However, video of the vote reveals that
several members who voted “no” or “present” were willing to vote “yes” until it
became clear the bill wouldn’t pass. This means that we’re not seven votes
short, but more likely two or three.
While the outcome was obviously
disappointing, we’re not giving up. The vote was close enough for the bill to
be placed on “postponed consideration,” meaning it can be called again if and
when the sponsor, Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) thinks he has the votes. We were in
a similar position last year and found a way to pick up several additional
votes. Doing so this year should mean finally removing criminal penalties for
the doctor-advised use of medical cannabis in Illinois (the Senate passed a
similar bill in 2009 and Gov. Pat Quinn has indicated his support).
So how can you help? First, check the roll call of the vote and find out how your representative voted. If he
or she voted ‘yes,’ send a thank you email. If the vote was “no,” politely ask your representative to reconsider. And of course, if you or a loved one suffers from a serious
illness such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or Crohn’s Disease, you
have a unique opportunity to help influence legislative decision makers. Please
email me and we can discuss ways for you
to get involved. You can also check out our “take action”
page for more tips, such as writing a letter to the editor of your local
paper.
Finally, make sure you’re subscribed to our Illinois
email alerts so we can keep you posted with timely updates and tips on
getting involved.
Learn more about Illinois’s marijuana laws
Under Illinois law (720 ILCS § 550), possession of less than 2.5 grams
of marijuana (less than one-tenth of an ounce) is punishable by up to 30 days
in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,500 dollars. Between 2.5 grams and 10 grams
(about one-third of an ounce) is punishable with up to 6 months in jail and a
$1,500 fine. Possession of more than 30 grams is a class four felony with
penalties ranging from 1-3 years in a state penitentiary and fines of up to
$25,000.
Illinois’ harsh penalties are
particularly concerning because Illinois has the sixth-highest arrest rate for
marijuana possession in the country. You can learn more about marijuana laws in
Illinois by reading this brief
report from economist Jon Gettman, PhD.
Stay Connected
Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project and all of our allies. Please subscribe to our free legislative alert service to help make this the last year Illinois finally shows it’s most vulnerable residents the compassion they
deserve.
