Marijuana Policy Project

An Illinois House committee rejected a proposal to legalize medical marijuana Thursday, but not without some drama as police detained an activist who brought 300 marijuana cigarettes to the hearing.

Irvin Rosenfeld testified about how marijuana had helped him cope with the pain of bone tumors for more than 30 years. Afterward, he was detained for about 30 minutes while police verified that he is one of seven people provided with marijuana by the federal government under a little-publicized program.

The bill to legalize medicinal use of marijuana in Illinois failed 4-7 in the House Human Services Committee.

The White House "drug czar," John Walters, also testified before the committee, telling lawmakers the bill would create safety and law-enforcement problems.

"I don't think this is simply about medicine," Walters said.

He said smoking marijuana is unhealthy, addictive and could lead to the use of other drugs, and its ability to help some people feel better isn't a compelling reason to legalize it.

"People feel better when they take crack. People feel better when they take heroin. People feel better when they take meth," he said.

Other speakers testified that marijuana is the only thing that helps them cope with chronic pain from glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, cancer and other conditions.

Rosenfeld of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said the current law makes criminals out of sick patients.

The 51-year-old was detained by the Illinois Secretary of State's police force but released without any charges. He said afterward that the incident shows why lawmakers should protect people who use marijuana for medical reasons.