Illinois Senate passes medical marijuana bill 30-28!

Published: May 27, 2009

Moments ago, the Illinois Senate passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, also known as SB 1381, by a vote of 30-28. SB 1381 would allow seriously ill patients with diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis to use marijuana if recommended by their doctor. If this legislation becomes law, patients with a state-issued ID card would be allowed to possess up to six plants and 2 ounces of usable marijuana.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this victory possible, including the thousands of you who contacted your legislators in support of this legislation and those of you who generously donated. Special thanks are in order for the brave patients like Julie Falco, Lucie Macfarlane, and Lisa Lange Van Camp who have spoken out and worked tirelessly advocating for this legislation.

While this is a tremendous step forward, our work is not done. SB 1381 now moves to the House for consideration, where the Human Services Committee approved a companion bill in March.

Here are a couple of things you can do to help keep SB 1381 moving forward:

• Write a letter to the editor. If you have something personal to say about this issue, getting your opinion printed in the local newspaper is a great way to remind voters and legislators alike that Illinois needs a medical marijuana law.
• Ask your doctor, clergy member, local leader, or organization you are a member of to sign our statement of principle. Simply print it out and ask your doctor or other individual to sign it the next time you have the opportunity. Then send it to us at P.O. Box 77492, Washington, DC 20013.
• Using MPP's sign-up sheets, collect as many valid e-mail addresses as you can and send them to us. You can scan and e-mail the information you collect to Nathan@mpp.org or mail it to MPP legislative analyst Nathan Miller at P.O. Box 77492, Washington, DC 20013.

The Marijuana Policy Project thanks you for your support and all that you have done to help forward this legislation. Because of people like you, patients like these may no longer have to live in fear of arrest for using a medicine that works for them. Please forward this alert along to other Illinoisans who might also be interested in putting an end to the criminalization of our sick and dying.