Illinois patients' voices needed to move medical marijuana legislation

In the coming weeks, Illinois will have a chance to stand up for seriously ill patients when the legislature returns for the 2010 legislative session. SB 1381, the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, passed the Senate in May of this year, and is now awaiting a vote in the House. SB 1381 still needs more representatives’ support to get to the 60 votes it needs to pass, though. And that’s where you come in ...

We need your help to educate representatives. For this bill to pass, lawmakers need to hear from patients and their allies. If you are a patient, a loved one, a medical professional, or a member of law enforcement or the clergy who might be interested in meeting with your representative, please contact me at emcdaniel@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help in passing this legislation. Please include your nine-digit ZIP code or your address so we can identify your legislators, and please share your connection with medical marijuana.

Illinois’ medical marijuana bill can become law. Thirteen other states have already authorized the doctor-advised medical use of marijuana. The U.S. Justice Department in recent weeks issued a memo stating that medical marijuana patients and their caregivers would not be prosecuted under federal law if they are in compliance with their state’s laws. It's time for the Illinois legislature to catch up with the times and show its compassion.

But to get Illinois’ bill passed in the House, legislators need to know that their constituents care about this issue. So please take a few moments to use our automated system to write your legislator. And don't forget to e-mail me at emcdaniel@mpp.org if you are a patient, loved one, a medical professional, or a member of law enforcement or the clergy interested in helping make medical marijuana legal under Illinois law.

Together, we can make Illinois the 14th state to allow the doctor-advised medical use of marijuana. Thank you for your support. Please pass this on to any patients you know who might be interested in getting involved.