Illinois Medical Marijuana Bill Passes Senate Public Health Committee, 6-2
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS — The Illinois Senate Public Health Committee passed a bill today, 6-2, that would allow seriously ill patients with certain debilitating conditions to use medical marijuana without fear of arrest if their doctor has recommended it.
SB 1381, sponsored by three-term former state's attorney Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), is the companion bill to HB 2514, sponsored by Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), which passed the House Health and Human Services Committee, 4-3, March 4.
"This is an important step for suffering Illinoisans who rely on medical cannabis because they, in consultation with their doctors, have determined it is the best treatment available to them," Haine said. "I'm grateful to my colleagues in the public health committee who listened to science and reason today and made the sensible, compassionate decision to pass this bill."
Today's vote clears the way for possible floor votes by the entire Senate and House for the respective bills – a first for Illinois. Advocates hope state lawmakers will note that 63 percent of Michigan voters approved a similar law last November and that a 2008 statewide poll shows 68 percent support among Illinois voters for such a law.
"I don't want to use marijuana, but it is the only thing that relieves the crippling nerve pain that comes with my treatments for HIV/AIDS," said Jamie Clayton, a Grafton resident who participated in a groundbreaking FDA-approved study proving medical marijuana's efficacy in treating pain caused by nerve damage. "The only question is whether patients like me will continue to be prosecuted for using a medicine that works or whether our elected officials will acknowledge available scientific evidence and the will of their constituents and vote in favor of this legislation. All we're asking is to be allowed to treat our illnesses in peace, which we should be able to do if we have our doctors' approval."
