Medical marijuana bill victorious in Illinois Senate committee

The Illinois Senate Health and Human Services Committee triumphantly passed Sen. John Cullerton's (D-Chicago) medical marijuana bill, S.B. 2568, in a 6-5 vote following a public hearing yesterday. After this inspiring victory—the first time a medical marijuana bill has passed a committee in Illinois in recent years—the bill is now headed to the Senate floor, and we need your help to ensure that it passes into law. If you have already taken action, thank you; but please don't forget that there is more work to be done.

Please click here to write a letter to your state senator, urging him or her to support Cullerton's medical marijuana bill. With just a few clicks, our automated system will allow you to send a pre-written letter to your legislator, or you can compose the letter yourself.

Please take action now.

Then, please send a letter-to-the-editor to your local papers, expressing your hope that lawmakers will end Illinois' cruel policy of criminalizing the seriously ill by passing S.B. 2568. Our automated system will easily allow you to send a letter to newspapers in Illinois. It takes only a few moments, but it can make a world of difference. Feel free to draw from the talking points that we have provided, but remember that a personalized letter is more likely to be published than a form letter.

Please send your letter today.

During yesterday’s hearing, Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R)—a Connecticut state representative and member of Republicans for Compassionate Access who has sponsored medical marijuana legislation in her state—gave a personal account of why she supports the bill. Bacchiochi testified that, years ago, she was compelled to illegally purchase marijuana for her husband to help ease his symptoms associated with terminal bone cancer. Joining her to testify in favor of S.B. 2568 were Christopher Fichtner, M.D., former director of mental health for the Illinois Department of Human Services; and multiple sclerosis patient Julie Falco of Chicago.

Medical marijuana’s progress in Illinois would not be possible without the legislators who were courageous enough to stand up for medical marijuana patients. The Marijuana Policy Project would also like to thank Matt Atwood and IDEAL Reform—an MPP grant recipient—for all of their vital efforts in this movement.

With reputable organizations such as the Illinois Nurses Association speaking out for medical marijuana patients and with massive public support—a new statewide poll by Anzalone-Liszt Research, Inc., found 62% support for legislation “that would allow people with cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and other serious illnesses to use and grow their own marijuana for medical purposes, as long as their physician approves”—MPP is hopeful that seriously ill Illinoisans will soon get the protection they deserve.

Please write your state senator and then send a letter-to-the-editor today.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this message along to your friends and family in Illinois so that others can stand up for the state’s most vulnerable residents.